Darkness of the Soul

Moral defects are vast, and one should consider discovering and resolving them one by one. Among them are selfishness and arrogance. These are the highest barricades against development and prevent the expansion of human knowledge because one who is self-centered and conceited believes he does not need to increase or to alter his knowledge. He becomes a fanatic about his prior knowledge, and because of this fanaticism, he remains in ignorance. One who has arrogance cannot gain friends, disciples, or supporters, mainly because people wince from his behavior and avoid him.