As I read through Abelard's biography, he stands in stark contrast to Anselm, his mentor (at least, at one point). He is absolutely overflowing with arrogance. When elders and equals question his work or his opinions, he simply deems them jealous of his genius. When persecuted for what he "preaches", Abelard once again defers to a fear and jealousy of his intellect. Even when caught in an extremely passionate, and I must say explicit, affair, he blames the woman, and makes a "sacrifice" in order to marry her.
Abelard is the student who spurns his master, who spurns his colleagues. He treats them with disrespect that is nigh upon contempt. He accepts little to no reproof or edification, instead assuring himself of his brilliance. May we not become Abelard...self-loving, self-proclaimed genius.
I commented on Brax and Francesca's posts.
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