Two things...

1. Based on this discussion here it's interesting to think about how the Bible fits in. I didn't want to introduce the Bible in that thread because it changes the whole subject, but I suppose the answer is the Bible is not purely B level influence, but is the actual Word of God and therefore will effect a person differently than Homer or Thucydides or Plutarch or War and Peace. (Of course, but the point has to be made.) The Bible challenges your level of being. It is not romantic or validating of one's sense of life and self (so much) as just a very challenging, living influence that is NEW.

2. Paul of England wrote an interesting post here. Interesting because along the same lines as the comment above he is lately good at 'getting at what is most important.' Allowing your sense of self and of the world to be driven where the Word of God drives it, and accepting where it drives it, and recognizing where it ends up. Seeing how anything else is not only not serious, but is death. Or emptiness (vanity). And it can be said the antithesis of vanity is faith... The antithesis of worldly pride is repentance... The antithesis of self-will is descent-of-the-dove God's will...