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AlGhazalisIhya-Book_of_knowledge, page : 102
debater wants nothing but to put himself forward before people, and to gain their
approval and praise.
These ten traits are among the greatest secret sins. Others who lack restraint,
may engage in controversies leading to the exchange of blows, kicking, boxing,
tearing garments, plucking bears, cursing parents, denouncing teachers, and
outright slander. Such people, however, are not considered respectable human
beings. The prominent and sober among them do not go beyond the preceding
ten traits. One may be free of this or that trait with regard to his inferiors or
superiors whatever the case may be, or with regard to people outside his
community or his sphere of work. Yet in his attitude towards his peers, who are
equal to him in position, the debater is guilty of all these traits. Each of these ten
traits may give rise to ten other vices, which we shall neither discuss nor explain
at the present time. They include snobbishness, anger, hatred, greed, the desire
to seek money and power in order to attain triumph, boasting, gaiety, arrogance,
exalting the wealthy and those in authority as well as frequenting their places and
partaking of their unlawful riches, parading with horses, state coaches, and
approval and praise.
These ten traits are among the greatest secret sins. Others who lack restraint,
may engage in controversies leading to the exchange of blows, kicking, boxing,
tearing garments, plucking bears, cursing parents, denouncing teachers, and
outright slander. Such people, however, are not considered respectable human
beings. The prominent and sober among them do not go beyond the preceding
ten traits. One may be free of this or that trait with regard to his inferiors or
superiors whatever the case may be, or with regard to people outside his
community or his sphere of work. Yet in his attitude towards his peers, who are
equal to him in position, the debater is guilty of all these traits. Each of these ten
traits may give rise to ten other vices, which we shall neither discuss nor explain
at the present time. They include snobbishness, anger, hatred, greed, the desire
to seek money and power in order to attain triumph, boasting, gaiety, arrogance,
exalting the wealthy and those in authority as well as frequenting their places and
partaking of their unlawful riches, parading with horses, state coaches, and