“Z[If any one says that the outward world is so constituted that one cannot resist it, let him study his own feelings and movements, and see whether there are not some plausible motives to account for his approval and assent, and the inclination of his reason to a particular object. To take an illustration, suppose a man to have made up his mind to exercise self-control and refrain from sexual intercourse, and then let a woman come upon the scene and solicit him to act contrary to his resolution; she is not cause sufficient to make him break his resolution. It is just because he likes the luxury and softness of the pleasure, and is unwilling to resist it, or stand firm in his determination, that he indulges in the licentious practice. On the contrary, the same thing may happen to a man of greater knowledge and better disciplined; he will not escape the sensations and incitements; but his reason, inasmuch as it is strengthened and nourished by exercise, and has firm convictions on the side of virtue, or is near to having them, stops the excitements short and gradually weakens the lust.”
Quote by Origen
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Origen (c. 182 – c. 254 AD) was an early Christian theologian, biblical scholar, and philosopher born in Alexandria, Egypt. He is considered one of the most influential Church Fathers, known for his allegorical interpretation of Scripture and systematic theology. Origen founded the renowned Catechetical School of Alexandria, where he taught many students. His major work, 'On First Principles,' is the first systematic theological treatise in Christianity. Although some of his views were later condemned as heretical, his contributions to biblical criticism, theology, and Christian philosophy remain significant. He died in Tyre, likely due to injuries from earlier persecution. more
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