In this period of his spiritual and intellectual development, Maimonides seems to affirm that the extreme humility he demands of all men goes to the extreme of self-abasement. He found the standard for this in a story he enjoyed telling: "A pious Gentile was asked: Tell us on what day you felt the greatest joy of your life. The pious man replied: I was once sailing on a ship. My place was in a a shabby corner, where the bundles of clothing were stored. Merchants and well-to-do men were also on board. One of the voyagers, who felt a call of nature, entered this room, where I lay in my spot, with my face looking up. The well-to-do voyager found me so unworthy and despicable that he soiled me. I was amazed at this insolence, but - by God! - I felt neither insulted nor angry. This equanimity of my soul, which I experienced, brought me a feeling of bliss. That was the greatest joy of my life."

— Maimonides av Abraham Joshua Heschel (Sida 50)