And love Quote by John of Damascus
“Gluttony should be destroyed by self-control; unchastity by desire for God and longing for the blessings held in store; avarice by compassion for the poor; anger by goodwill and love for all men; worldly dejection by spiritual joy; listlessness by patience, perseverance and offering thanks to God; self-esteem by doing good in secret and by praying constantly with a contrite heart; and pride by not judging or despising anyone in the manner of the boastful Pharisee (cf. Lk. 18:11-12), and by considering oneself the least of all men.”
About This Quote
Damascus outlines a moral program: each vice is countered by a specific virtue or practice, rooted in Christian spirituality.
In simple terms: Each sin has a spiritual antidote.
Key Takeaway
Virtues directly oppose specific vices.
Themes
ethics
spirituality
virtue
Mood
didactic
hopeful
Type
religious teaching
moral guide
When to use this quote
- confessional counseling
- religious education
- personal spiritual discipline
Key Concepts
moral psychology
theology
Practical Applications
- match negative habits with positive practices
- use prayer to reinforce virtue
Questions to Reflect On
- How effective are one‑to‑one virtue‑vice pairings?
- Can this framework adapt to modern ethical dilemmas?
A Different Perspective
Prescriptive lists may not address underlying systemic causes of vice.
