Choice, Not Capability

“Beata Maria

You know I am a righteous man

Beata Maria

You know I’m so much purer than

The common, vulgar, weak, licentious crowd…” The soliloquy of the pious villain Claude Frollo in Disney’s Hunchback of Notre Dame has depth that reaches far past the ready comprehension of children. These are heavy, convicting words that reach straight for the throat of a core corruption of man. It is first a reminder that the moment you believe yourself incapable of the degradation you see around you, you are in danger of contributing to it.

Choice — not capability — is the only thing separating you from the worst of us. The moment you believe you are incapable, you have something to boast, and are therefore susceptible to corruption. “Pride cometh before a fall.” Why do people fall? Because they stop watching where they’re going. You are no more capable or incapable of evil than anyone else in this world, but the vigilance inspired by that knowledge will safeguard your virtue.

A second cautionary tale of these first lines is to never need to tell anyone who you are. Never use strong words as a compensation for weak actions. An attempt to remind others (or God) who you are may be, at best, an effort to convince yourself, and at worst, an effort to deceive yourself and others.

Seek to be known, not make yourself known, and know yourself for the powerful, capable, dangerous being that you are. Strive to be good. It is a choice you must make.