I know a man who, when he saw a woman of striking beauty, praised the Creator for her. The sight of her lit within him the love of God.
John ClimacusRead
Pride is the utter poverty of soul disguised as riches, imaginary light where in fact there is darkness.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Pride is a false sense of superiority that ultimately leads to spiritual emptiness.
In this quote, John Climacus conveys that pride is a deceptive quality that masquerades as wealth and brilliance, but in reality, it signifies a deep spiritual poverty. Individuals who are consumed by pride may believe they possess greatness and virtue, yet they are actually shrouded in darkness, lacking true fulfillment and connection with the authentic aspects of life.
Themes
PridePovertySoulDarknessRiches
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about humility and self-awareness.
More from John Climacus
All quotes βThe 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 still excited. The goal is a perfect peacefulness even in the middle of the raging storm.
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Someone who is elated with wine speaks the truth on all subjects, even without meaning to. In the same way, anyone who is inebriated with the spirit of penitence will never be able to tell lies.
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God belongs to all free beings. He is the life of all, the salvation of all ~faithful and unfaithful, just and unjust, pious and impious, passionate and dispassionate, monks and laymen, wise and simple, healthy and sick, young and old just as the effusion of light, the sight of the sun, and the changes of the seasons are for all alike; 'for there is no respect of persons with God.'
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Obedience is the burial of the will and the resurrection of humility.
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The slave of the belly ponders the menu with which to celebrate the feast. The servant of God, however, thinks of the graces that may enrich him.
John ClimacusRead
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