The principle of asceticism never was, nor ever can be, consistently pursued by any living creature. Let but one tenth part of the inhabitants of the earth pursue it consistently, and in a day’s time they will have turned it into a Hell.
Asceticism
Bentham, Jeremy
1748-1832 British Philosopher Jurist Political Theorist
If a hermit lives in a state of ecstasy, his lack of comfort becomes the height of comfort. He must relinquish it.
Asceticism
Cocteau, Jean
1889-1963 French Author Filmmaker
To attempt the destruction of our passions is the height of folly. What a noble aim is that of the zealot who tortures himself like a madman in order to desire nothing, love nothing, feel nothing, and who, if he succeeded, would end up a complete monster!
Asceticism
Diderot, Denis
1713-1784 French Philosopher
In every ascetic morality man worships a part of himself as God and for that he needs to diabolize the other part.
Asceticism
Nietzsche, Friedrich
1844-1900 German Philosopher
The ascetic makes a necessity of virtue.
Asceticism
Nietzsche, Friedrich
1844-1900 German Philosopher
The main motive for nonattachment is a desire to escape from the pain of living, and above all from love, which, sexual or non-sexual, is hard work.
Asceticism
Orwell, George
1903-1950 British Author Animal Farm