Anglers Quote by Patriarch Philaret of Moscow
“Lust is as it were desire and desire, will which extends beyond the natural will, passionate, not governed by the law and moderation. There are thus many forms of lust, like the many forms of sin ... Lust does not approach the soul in the form of a warlike enemy, but in the form of a friend or a pleasant servant. It suggests some sort of pleasure or illusory good. But this is only a trick by which the malicious angler strives to lead astray and catch the poor soul. Remember this when you are tempted by lust.”
About This Quote
Lust is depicted as a deceptive, pleasure‑seeking force that masquerades as a friend, leading the soul astray, urging vigilance against its allure.
In simple terms: Lust pretends to be a harmless companion, but misleads.
Lust is a subtle, deceptive temptation.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- spiritual counseling
- personal reflection
- ethical education
Key Concepts
Practical Applications
- practice mindfulness to recognize deceptive desires
- seek supportive community
Questions to Reflect On
- What distinguishes healthy desire from destructive lust?
- How can one balance natural urges with moral standards?
Not all desire is harmful; context matters.