Three Kinds of Tzaddikim

The Yid Hakadosh taught that there are three kinds of tzaddikim. The one who acknowledges that he is a tzaddik is the least worthy. One who recognizes that he is not a tzaddik of a high level is more worthy. Better than both is the true tzaddik, who holds that he has yet to reach perfection. He stressed the need to strive for self-perfection, since to stop trying is to decline, and to do mitzvos honestly, free of any interest in honor or material gain.