Do nothing according to selfish ambition or according to empty pride, but in humility considering others than just yourselves, each of you not looking out for your own interests, but also each of you acting for the interests of others."
Philippians 2:1-4
"In the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, traitors, heady, high-minded having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof. Evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived."
John Henry Newman
"Many will become addicted to hateful and malicious thoughts and hateful words. Slaves to their desires, they will be ferocious, angry despisers of what is good and right. With brutal treachery they will act without restraint, bigoted and blinded by clouds of conceit. They will demand and find their delight in the pleasures of this world, and ignore their need to serve God. They may act religious, but they want to serve themselves."
2 Timothy 3:1-5
“Why do you not understand what I am saying? It is because you cannot bear to hear my words. You are from your father, the devil, and you serve your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and he does not honor the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks according to his nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies. but because I speak the truth you refuse to believe me."
John 8:43-45
"If you want to be important—wonderful. If you want to be recognized—wonderful. If you want to be great—wonderful. But recognize that he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. That's a new definition of greatness. And this morning, the thing that I like about it: by giving that definition of greatness, it means that everybody can be great, because everybody can serve."
Martin Luther King, The Drum Major Instinct
And as you may recall it was Satan who set an infamous point of pride in the great fall of angels, non serviam, 'I will not serve.'
And so his followers and devotees will still assert, even to this day.
It is all the fashion and rage, under various euphemisms and slogans.
Stocks slumped a bit as a natural reaction to the recent bubblery they have enjoyed for the end of the month.
Gold and silver lipped as the Dollar rallied.
This week is going to be all about specific data points.
We have the FOMC decision and commentary on Wednesday, and the Non-Farm Payrolls report on Friday.
And at some point the Bank of England is going to do something about rates, and it may provide an excuse for some miscellaneous market shenanigans.
And of course next Tuesday we have the midterm national elections.
Time here now for incoming waves of candy-craving kiddos.
Happy Halloween.
Have a pleasant evening.
