‘Pride and narcissism – that is something I see in our society nowadays, including the university. As soon as you arrive to the university, you hear that you are a part of the top few percent of people smart enough to study at a university. It’s then easy to think that you are better than others, that you are special, because you will also earn more – but that is not justified.’
‘I recognized narcissism in myself’
‘Social media isn’t helping this trend. Social media is about creating a positive image of yourself, but it is not necessarily the correct image of the truth and the world. This was also one of the reasons why I deleted my Facebook account a while ago.’
‘I think almost everyone has aspects of narcissism in themselves. When I started studying at the university, people around me were saying I must be smart to study here. It’s easy to believe that and I recognized narcissism in myself too. But it is not justified to boast about going to a university. If I, as a computer scientist, go on a strike for a month, it won’t hurt the society very much. On the other hand, if garbage men or nurses go on a strike, it will be a huge problem. Higher education and higher wage doesn’t make us more important. It only means we are lucky and more blessed.’
‘Easter is about facing your sins’
‘I believe we should be humble. Jesus Christ is the greatest example of humbleness – he was a king, who washed the feet of others. Bible says (Matthew 23: 11-12): “Whoever is the greatest should be the servant of others. If you put yourself above others, you will be put down. But if you humble yourself, you will be honored.”’
‘Sins are a heavy subject, because Jesus had to die for our sins. He suffered the worst punishment you can get. Easter reminds us of this. However, when I talk to others about Easter and Christianity, they don’t often know what Easter is about. It is about facing and recognizing your sins and knowing that Jesus conquered them, because that is the only way to salvation. That is why Easter is the most important Christian holiday.’
