The first stage of this tranquility consists in silencing the lips when the heart is excited. The second, in silencing the mind when the soul is stil…

- John Climacus

Repentance lifts a man up. Mourning knocks at heaven's gate. Holy humility opens it.

- John Climacus

An angel fell from Heaven without any other passion except pride, and so we may ask whether it is possible to ascend to Heaven by humility alone, wit…

- John Climacus

Whoever has become a servant of the Lord fears only his Master. But whoever is without the fear of God is often afraid of his own shadow. Fearfulness…

- John Climacus

Fight to escape from your own cleverness. If you do, then you will find salvation and uprightness through Jesus Christ our Lord.

- John Climacus

The lover of silence draws close to God. He talks to Him in secret and God enlightens him.

- John Climacus

Become aware of God, in whose presence you are while you pray . . . Then take a formula of prayer and recite it with perfect attention both to the wo…

- John Climacus

Forgetting offences is a sign of sincere repentance. If you keep the memory of them, you may believe you have repented but you are like someone runni…

- John Climacus

Humility is constant forgetfulness of one's achievements.

- John Climacus