Spiritual delight is not enjoyment found in things that exists outside the soul.
-St. Isaac of Syria, Unknown, 7th century


Love of money is the worship of idols, a daughter of unbelief, an excuse for infirmities, a foreboder of old age, a harbinger of drought, a herald of hunger.
-St. John Climacus, The Ladder of Divine Ascent, Step 16:2,7 and Step 17:1, 6th Century


He who has conquered this passion has cut out care; but he who is bound by it never attains to pure prayer …
-St. John Climacus, The Ladder of Divine Ascent, Step 16:2,7 and Step 17:1, 6th Century


Poverty is the resignation of cares, life without anxiety, an unencumbered traveler, alienation from sorrow, fidelity to the commandments.
-St. John Climacus, The Ladder of Divine Ascent, Step 16:2,7 and Step 17:1, 6th Century