I love this quotation concerning reading from St. Dorotheus of Gaza found at Aaron Taylor’s fine blog Logismoi. Thank you Mr. Taylor.
“When towards the end of my childhood I was learning to read, at the beginning I used to wear myself out by working at it too hard and when I went to take up a book I was like someone going upt to stroke a wild animal. As I preserved in forcing myself to go on, however, God came to my assistance and I became so engrossed in reading that I did not know what I was eating or drinking, or how I slept, I was so enthused about my reading. I was never drawn away to a meal with one of my friends or to a meeting with him at reading time in spite of the fact that I had many friends and delighted in their company.
When the master dismissed us I used to take a bath—which I needed daily to counteract the exhaustion from excessive study—then I hurried to where I was staying without thinking about eating, for I could not take it easy or order food for myself, but I had a faithful companion and he prepared for me whatever he wished. I took whatever I found prepared for me, propped up a book beside me, and in a short time was lost in it. For the siesta I had the same book as a companion by my chair, and if sleep overpowered me for a short time I was quickly on my feet again and at my reading. It was the same in the evening when I got back after lamplighting. I used to grasp my lamp and go on with my reading until midnight. So it was that I took no notice of, or pleasure in, anything except what I was reading. When, therefore, I came to the monastery I used to say to myself, ‘If for the sake of public speaking so much endurance and fervor is needed fully to acquire the art of reading, how much more is needed for the acquisition of virtue.’ From this consideration I received much strength and encouragement. If anyone wants to acquire virtue he ought not to let himself be distracted or puffed up with vain hopes. . . . For unless a man drives himself and fights against his evil inclinations he readily falls away and diverges from the path of virtue.”
I also highly recommend reading Aaron Taylor’s post The Golden Mean in Aristotle and the Fathers.
