1234. What it means to want to be the least, and that one who is, is the greatest
It can be evident from many considerations how this matter stands. One should not want to be the least in order to be the greatest, for in that case, one aspires and hopes to be the greatest.
But this shows what it is-namely, when from the heart one wishes better to others than to oneself, so that one wants to yield the better things to others, and to serve them for the sake of their happiness, from no selfish motive, but from love. 1748, 8 March.
1234. WHAT IS SIGNIFIED BY WANTING TO BE THE LEAST, AND THAT SUCH A ONE IS THE GREATEST
It can be evident from many things how the case is with regard to this, for one ought not to desire to be least in order to become the greatest, for then he aspires and desires to become the greatest. But what is meant can appear from this, namely, that from the heart one wills better to others than to oneself, so that he wills to yield the better things to others, and to serve them for the sake of their happiness from no end of self, but from love.
1234. Quid significat minimum velle esse, et quod is sit maximus {a}
Ex pluribus constare potest, quomodo hoc se habet, non enim debet cupere minimum esse, ut sit maximus, tunc enim spirat et cupit maximum esse; sed exinde constare potest quid sit, nempe quod ex corde aliis velit melius quam sibi, sic ut potiora aliis concedere velit; et servire aliis, eorum felicitatis gratia, ex nullo fine sui, sed ex amore. 1748, 8 Martius.