Sermon Central
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Chekhov's Advice
Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Sep 6, 2023 (message contributor)
The great Russian playwright Anton Chekhov wrote to his younger brother in 1879 responding to a letter in which the brother had signed himself as “your insignificant and obscure little brother.” Chekhov’s answer to this false humility is classic.
“Do you know,” Chekhov asked in reply, “before whom you should confess your insignificance?” He proceeded to answer his own question.
“Before God, if you will, before intelligence, beauty, nature, but not before people. Among people, you have to show your worth. After all, you’re not a crook, are you? You are an honest fellow, are you not? Well then, respect the honest fellow in yourself and recognize that the honest fellow is never insignificant. Don’t confuse “coming to terms with yourself” with “recognizing your insignificance.”
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