“What is the cause that one is hardened, and another readily moved to compunction? Listen! It springs from the will, in the latter case a good will, in the former an evil one. It springs also from the thoughts, in the former case evil thoughts, in the latter from the opposite; and similarly from actions, in the former case actions contrary to God, in the latter godly ones... it is by free choice of the will that every person either attains compunction and humility, or else becomes hard-hearted and proud.”
Quote by Symeon the New Theologian
Author
Symeon the New Theologian
Symeon the New Theologian (949–1022) was a Byzantine Christian mystic, poet, and theologian. Known for his emphasis on direct personal experience of God, he is one of three saints in Eastern Orthodoxy honored as 'Theologian.' His works include hymns, sermons, and theological writings that profoundly influenced Christian mysticism. more