A fool who knows his foolishness is wise
at least to that extent,
but a fool who thinks himself wise
is a fool indeed.

The Dhammapada - Chapter 5, Verse 63
(Translated by Ācharya Buddharakkhita)
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For some reason this quote reminded me how any time my ego starts to inflate, I feel like The Universe finds a way to knock it down again.

Perhaps bragging about a sale is met with another one falling through.
Perhaps feeling a little too good about physical gains is met with rejection.
Perhaps thinking I’m smarter than I am is met with a situation that shows I know little.

Whatever the response, my ego is checked by humility, my arrogance faced with humbling.

I’ve found life to be more stable and enjoyable when maintaining a constant degree of gratitude for what I have, and a recognition that it is not I who deserves all the credit.

Better to live with awareness of any foolishness I have than to walk around thinking about how great I am.