Timely silence, then, is precious, for it is nothing less than the mother of the wisest thoughts. - Diadochos of Photiki

Spiritual discourse always keeps the soul free from self-esteem, for it gives every part of the soul a sense of light, so that it no longer needs the praise of men.

The perceptive faculty natural to our soul is single, but it is split into two distinct modes of operation as a result of Adam's disobedience.

One side of the soul is carried away by the passionate part in man, and we are then captivated by the good things of this life, but the other side of the soul frequently delights in the activity of the intellect and, as a result, when we practice self-restraint, the intellect longs to pursue heavenly beauty.