John Climacus Quotes

“Drive away with the hand of humility every transitory joy, as being unworthy of it, lest by readily admitting it you receive a wolf instead of a shepherd.”

“Baptism is the washing away of evils that were in us before, but sins committed after baptism are washed away by tears.”

“I will not be silent about something which it is not right to leave in silence lest I should inhumanly keep to myself what ought to be made known.”

“Constantly wrestle with your thought, and whenever it wanders call it back to you.”

“A monastery is an earthly heaven.”

“Obedience is the tomb of the will and the resurrection of humility.”

“Even if glory is God-given, yet it is excellent to divert it from oneself with the shield of humility.”