From The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis
Whenever one inordinately desires anything, that one loses inward peace. The proud and the avaricious are never at rest; while the modest and humble of heart abide in the multitude of peace. The one who is not yet wholly dead to self, is soon tempted, and is overcome in small and trifling matters. It is hard for one who is weak in spirit, and still in part carnal and inclined to the pleasures of the senses, to withdraw altogether from earthly desires. Therefore, when withdrawn from objects of desire, that one is saddened, and easily angered at any who may oppose their will.
If one follows their desires, their conscience is burdened with a sense of guilt; because by yielding to passion, one makes no advance towards gaining the peace which is fruit of the path. For true peace of heart is to be found in resisting passion, not in yielding to it. Therefore there is no peace in the heart of one who is carnal, nor in that one who inclined toward the pursuit of things, but only in who is devoted [to fruit of the path].
