Liber Secundus, Caput IV. Notitiam sui ipsius triplici consideratione sui complectitur; et primum quidem considerationis membrum hic exsequitur.
The Threefold Question of Self-Knowledge
Bernard introduces a threefold framework for self-examination by asking what, who, and what kind of person you are.
This consideration of yourself can be divided into three parts, if you think about what, who, and what kind of person you are. What is your nature, who are you as a person, and what kind of character do you have?
What Is a Human Being?
The first philosophical question asks for the definition of human nature.
What, for example, is a human being?
Who Are You? The Papal Office Examined
The second question turns directly to the reader's identity as Pope and Supreme Pontiff.
Who is the Pope, or the Supreme Pontiff?
What Kind of Person Should You Be?
The third question probes the moral and spiritual character befitting the reader.
What kind of person is gentle, kind, or anything like that?
The Profit of Knowing Your Nature
Contemplating the philosophical definition of a human being as rational and mortal is both permissible and spiritually fruitful, producing humility and inner strength.
Although the first question is more philosophical than apostolic, it is still about the definition of a human being, which is said to be a rational and mortal animal: if you wish to contemplate this more deeply, you may. There’s nothing that contradicts your profession or dignity in this; rather, it can contribute to your salvation. For when you consider these two aspects together, rational and mortal, you will find that they yield a fruit for you, so that the mortal part within you humbles the rational part; and conversely, the rational part strengthens the mortal: neither will be neglected by a careful person.
A Promise of Deeper Comparison
Bernard closes by promising to treat remaining points more fruitfully through a comparison of the parts of the self.
If any point still needs attention now, it will be taken up below, and perhaps more usefully through a comparison of the parts.
Read the original Latin
Et haec tui consideratio in tria quaedam dividitur, si consideres quid, quis, et qualis sis. Quid in natura, quis in persona, qualis in moribus. Quid, verbi gratia, homo. Quis, Papa, vel summus Pontifex. Qualis, benignus, mansuetus, vel quidquid tale. Quanquam primum illud, philosophicum sit magis quam apostolicum vestigare; attamen est in definitione hominis, quem dicunt animal rationale, mortale: quod diligentius intueri si libet, licet. Non est quod tuae in eo aut professioni obviet, aut dignitati: est vero quod saluti afferre queat. Nam consideranti duo haec simul, rationale, mortaleque; is tibi exinde occurrit fructus, ut et mortale, quod in te est rationale humiliet; et rursum rationale, mortale confortet: quod neutrum neglectui erit homini circumspecto.
Si qua adhuc praesens consideranda requirit locus, tractabuntur infra, et forte utilius ex partium collatione.
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