"An unmortified spirit is your greatest hindrance. Good and devout people first plan inwardly the works they are to do outwardly; in this way they are not led to evil inclinations, but bend their wills to the rule of right reason. Who has a greater struggle than those who labor to overcome themselves? This should be our daily labor: self-conquest, so as to make steady progress in the spiritual life."
(The Imitation of Christ, Book One, Chapter Three)
