“A good and devout man arranges in his mind the things he has to do, not according to the whims of evil inclination but according to the dictates of right reason. Who is forced to struggle more than he who tries to master himself? This ought to be our purpose, then: to conquer self, to become stronger each day, to advance in virtue.

He to whom the Eternal Word speaks is free from theorizing a multitude of opinions. For from this Word are all things and of Him all things speak ―the Beginning Who also speaks to us. Without this Word no man understands or judges aright.

He to whom all things  become One, who traces all things to One, and who sees all things in One, may ease his heart and remain at peace with God. —John 1:1-14

—The Imitation of Christ, Thomas a’ Kempis, 15th Century