I served the famous professors and scholars, and eventually they

Host: The café was peaceful, with the soft murmur of background conversations and the occasional clink of coffee cups filling the air. The late afternoon light streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow over the table where Jack and Jeeny sat. Jack seemed deep in thought, his fingers absentmindedly tracing the rim of his coffee cup. Jeeny, noticing his pensive mood, waited for him to speak.

Host: After a few moments, Jack looked up, his voice thoughtful.

Jack: “I came across a quote from Sun Myung Moon today. He said, ‘I served the famous professors and scholars, and eventually they learned that the Reverend Moon is superior to them. Even Nobel laureate academics who thought they were at the center of knowledge are as nothing in front of me.’ It made me think about how sometimes people see themselves as being above others, especially when they achieve a certain level of success or recognition. But Moon’s statement seems to suggest that no matter how accomplished someone is, there’s always someone else who believes they are superior. Do you think that mindset — believing one person or idea is superior to another — is healthy or dangerous?”

Jeeny’s eyes softened, clearly reflecting on his words. She leaned forward slightly, her voice calm but filled with insight as she responded.

Jeeny: “I think Moon’s perspective points to something quite dangerous — the idea of arrogance and self-importance. While confidence is important, when we start believing that we are inherently superior to others, it can create division and disrespect. The belief that one person, group, or idea is superior to all others can lead to ego-driven decisions, and it’s often that kind of thinking that creates power struggles and unhealthy hierarchies. Knowledge, success, and achievement are valuable, but they should be approached with humility, not arrogance. The notion that someone’s value is determined by their perceived superiority to others can be deeply unsettling and harmful.”

Host: Jack nodded slowly, clearly reflecting on her words. The quiet of the café seemed to deepen as he thought about how arrogance and superiority can affect not only relationships but also society at large.

Jack: “So, it’s not about undermining our own worth or dismissing our achievements, but about recognizing the value in others and understanding that we don’t have to see ourselves as superior to be valuable. Arrogance can cloud our judgment and prevent us from truly connecting with others.”

Jeeny smiled gently, her eyes steady with understanding as she responded.

Jeeny: “Exactly. Everyone has something valuable to contribute, and no one should feel the need to elevate themselves above others to find their worth. True wisdom and strength come from recognizing that everyone has their own unique contributions and learning to work together rather than striving for dominance. When we let go of the idea of superiority, we open ourselves up to greater understanding and collaboration.”

Host: Jack leaned back, a small smile forming as the realization sank in. The world outside the café continued its usual rhythm, but inside, their conversation had opened up a new perspective on arrogance and the belief in superiority.

Jack: “So, it’s about embracing humility and understanding that everyone’s journey and contributions have value. No one person is inherently more valuable than another.”

Jeeny nodded, her smile warm with affirmation.

Jeeny: “Exactly. The more we recognize the equality of all people and respect their unique contributions, the more we create an environment of mutual respect and growth. Superiority can blind us to the richness of shared knowledge and experiences.”

Host: The conversation seemed to linger between them, a quiet understanding that the belief in superiority can create division, while humility and recognition of others’ worth foster connection and growth. Jack and Jeeny shared a deeper understanding that true value doesn’t come from positioning ourselves above others, but from embracing the inherent worth of everyone around us. The world outside continued its rhythm, but inside the café, there was a newfound appreciation for the power of humility and mutual respect.