This week's readings were easier to digest than St. Augustine was. St. Benedict's rules were succinct and the later stories in regards to him exhibited the saintly reputation and miracles he earned by successfully organizing monastic life. According to St. Benedict, to maintain the monastic life, certain virtues and rules are a necessity. The most important virtue is humility. From true humility springs the ability to obey God's rules and the orders of superiors.
Humility enables a person to put aside all self-interest and tolerate the hardships of life.
No longer are a person's actions dictated by fear of punishment, but out of love and good for all. Conversely, self interest or selfishness would be the most dangerous vice to the monastic community. With self-interest comes disobedience and lack of concern for the community. When acting with self-interest, an individual no longer considers the community as a priority. Selfishness leads to pride, self gratification, gluttony, etc.