Asceticism Quotes

“Let no one be found who is a friend of the present life.”

“I would rather go mad than feel pleasure.”

“Fasting is the support of our soul: it gives us wings to ascend on high, and to enjoy the highest contemplation.”

“Wretches, utter wretches, keep your hands from beans!”

“So far are we from indulging in unholy pleasures, that many of us are ashamed of pleasures that are lawful.”

“For the preservation of chastity, an empty stomach is of great help.”

“Do not seek pleasure for its own sake.”

“Do not be crazy about women.”

“Asceticism doesn't lie in ascetic robes, or in walking staff, nor in the ashes. Asceticism doesn't lie in the earring, nor in the shaven head, nor blowing a conch. Asceticism lies in remaining pure amidst impurities.”

“Food simply isn't important to me.”

“One must be so dis-impassioned that one is not moved by any created thing.”

“Alexander has more need of it than I, for he has more mouths to feed.”