Liber Primus, Caput IX. Recentia Pontificum exempla paulatim corrigenda, vetera imitanda.
The Danger of Sudden Reform
A sudden break from the example of predecessors will invite ridicule and seem like a bid for admiration rather than genuine reform.
What if you suddenly devote yourself entirely to this philosophy? Your predecessors didn't do that: you'll be a nuisance to many, as if you'd suddenly strayed from the footsteps of the fathers; indeed, you'll seem to be acting for their ridicule. But you'll also be noted by the common proverb: 'Whoever does what no one else does is wondered at by all,' just as if you desire to be admired. Nor can you correct all their errors at once and suddenly, or reduce their excesses to measure.
Gradual Correction in God's Time
Reform must be pursued gradually and opportunely according to God-given wisdom, while making use of whatever good is presently available.
There will be a time when you have received the opportunity, so that according to the wisdom given to you by God, you should strive for it gradually and opportunely. In the meantime, certainly use another's good for the good that you can.
The Example of Gregory the Great
Recent Roman pontiffs, above all Gregory the Great, show that even amid siege and barbarian threat one can find leisure for scriptural exposition.
Although if we take examples from good things, and not from new ones, the Roman pontiffs have not been lacking, who found leisure for themselves among the greatest affairs. Was the siege of the city and the barbarian sword threatening the necks of the citizens, yet did this not frighten the blessed Pope Gregory from writing wisdom in leisure? It was at that time (as is clear from his own preface) that he expounded the most obscure and difficult passage of Ezekiel's prophecy as carefully as it was elegantly done.
Read the original Latin
Quid tamen, si te philosophiae huic totum repente devoveris? Praedecessores tui non ita consueverunt: eris molestus quam pluribus, quasi qui a patrum vestigiis subito deviaris: nempe id videberis agere in suggillationem illorum. Sed et notabere vulgari proverbio: Qui hoc facit quod nullus, mirantur omnes: veluti qui cupias admirationi fore. Nec potes eorum omnia simul et subito vel errata corrigere, vel excessus redigere in modum. Erit cum acceperis tempus, ut secundum sapientiam tibi a Deo datam paulatim et opportune id studeas. Interim sane malo alterius utere in bonum quod potes. Quanquam si de bonis, et non de novis sumamus exempla, non defuere Romani pontifices, qui sibi otia inter maxima negotia invenirent. Obsidio urbi, et barbaricus ensis civium cervicibus imminebat: nunquid tamen istud terruit beatum papam Gregorium, quominus sapientiam scriberet in otio?
Eo nempe temporis (quod ex ejus praefatione liquet) obscurissimam et extremam partem Ezechielis tam diligenter, quam eleganter exposuit.
De consideratione (On Consideration) companion
Make consideration a daily appointment
Bernard told Eugene to set aside time every day. Chosen Portion holds that time for you, free.
Bernard's core prescription — a fixed daily time reserved for examining the soul — is exactly the habit Chosen Portion installs with its daily devotional portion.
- One 10-minute daily portion for self-examination and prayer
- Reflection prompts drawn from historic texts, not improvised journaling
- A visible streak that protects the daily interval Bernard insisted on