John Climacus Quotes on Knowledge
John Climacus, also known as John of the Ladder, was a Byzantine Christian monk and philosopher of the late sixth and early seventh centuries, abbot of the monastery of Saint Catherine on Mount Sinai, and the author of one of the most influential works of Christian spiritual philosophy ever written. This page collects quotes attributed to John Climacus on the topic of knowledge, drawn from across the philosopher's works.
Quotes
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Attributed to John Climacus:
“Tears in the spiritual life are a form of sight.”
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“In hastening to solitude and exile, do not wait for world-loving souls, because the thief comes unexpectedly. In trying to save the careless and indolent along with themselves, many perish with them, because in course of time the fire goes out. As soon as the flame is burning within you, run; for you do not know when it will go out and leave you in darkness. Not all of us are required to save others. The divine Apostle says, ... "Thou therefore who teachest another, teachest thou not thyself?" This is like saying: I do not know whether we must teach others; but teach yourselves at all costs.”
3:4 -
“Obedience is the tomb of the will and the resurrection of humility.”
4:3 -
“Baptism is the washing away of evils that were in us before, but sins committed after baptism are washed away by tears.”
7:6