In this manner, then, did that being once exist as light before he went astray, and fell to this place, and had his glory turned into dust, which is peculiarly the mark of the wicked, as the prophet also says; whence, too, he was called the prince of this world, i.e., of an earthly habitation: for he exercised power over those who were obedient to his wickedness, since the whole of this world— for I term this place of earth, world— lies in the wicked one, and in this apostate. That he is an apostate, i.e., a fugitive, even the Lord in the book of Job says, You will take with a hook the apostate dragon, i.e., a fugitive. Now it is certain that by the dragon is understood the devil himself. (Book I, Chapter 5, Part 5)

I too am a fugitive. I flee from fear and failure.

I too am an apostate. I abandon my principles and squander my faith.

I too am wicked. I waste my time and talent on foolish tasks.

I do not deny the possibility of the Devil.

But I hardly seem to need him in order to wander astray.