Life Quote by Lorenzo Scupoli
““Here we discover a great error, and one so much the more injurious as it is the less guarded against. Many who aspire to the spiritual life, being rather lovers of themselves than of that which is needful (although indeed they know it not), select for the most part those practices which accord with their own taste, and neglect others which touch to the quick their natural inclinations and sensual appetites, to overcome which all reason demands that they should put forth their full strength. Therefore, beloved, I advise and entreat you to cherish a love for that which is painful and difficult, for such things will bring you victory over self—on this all depends.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Spiritual Combat by Lorenzo Scupoli, 1589
Many spiritual seekers choose practices that please their own taste and avoid ones that challenge their appetites; real victory over self comes from embracing what is painful and difficult.
In simple terms: Growth comes from embracing difficulty, not comfort.
Key Takeaway
Choose the hard path that conquers self.
Themes
spiritual discipline
self-denial
asceticism
self-mastery
Mood
earnest
challenging
Type
religious
instructional
When to use this quote
- personal discipline
- spiritual direction
- habit change
Key Concepts
mortification
spiritual warfare
Questions to Reflect On
- Which difficult practices have you avoided?
- Is discomfort always a sign of growth?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasizing suffering can become unhealthy without discernment.
