the imitation of christ, the 1st book: chapter ii (of thinking humbly of oneself)

“There is naturally in every man, a desire to know. But what profiteth knowledge, without the fear of God? Better of a surety is a lowly peasant who serveth God, than a proud philosopher who watcheth the stars and neglecteth the knowledge of himself. He who knoweth himself well, is vile in his own sight; [...]