Gleanings from Orthodox Christian Authors and the Holy Fathers
Aquisitiveness
2 Entries
He who has tasted the things on high easily despises what is below. But he who has not tasted the things above finds joy in possessions.
St. John Climacus, "The Ladder of Divine Ascent," (Boston; Holy Transfiguration Monastery, 1978), STEP 17: On Non-Permissiveness (that Hastens One Heavenwards)
The desire for possessions is dangerous and terrible, knowing no satiety; it drives the soul which it controls to the heights of evil. Therefore, let us drive it away vigorously from the beginning. For once it has become master it cannot be overcome.
St. Isidore of Pelusium, commemorated 4 February