Letter 191

Isidore of PelusiumNilus|isidore pelusium
From: Isidore of Pelusium, monk at Pelusium
To: An inquirer
Date: ~410 AD
Context: Isidore on the unique burden of those who have reached high virtue — being suspected of wrong is a greater misfortune for them than for ordinary people.

For those of moderate virtue, suspicion is an inconvenience. It can be endured and eventually dispelled.

But for those who have reached the heights of virtue — being suspected of wrong is a great misfortune. Not because they are more fragile, but because the accusation contradicts everything they have built. The slander that bounces off a man of moderate reputation shatters something important in a man of genuine sanctity.

This is why those who have advanced far in the life of virtue must be even more careful than beginners about avoiding not just wrong itself, but the appearance of wrong. They have more to protect — and more is expected of them.

Modern English rendering for readability. See the 19th-century translation or original Latin/Greek for scholarly use.

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