Elder St. Paisios on Dead Knowledge
“Some worldly people read newspapers, others romantic literature or an adventure novel, still others watch a football game at the stadium and pass their lime. The same thing is done by some people who read spiritual books. They may spend the whole night reading spiritual books with great intensity and be content. They like a spiritual book, sit comfortably, and begin reading. ‘Oh, I profited from that,” they say. It would be better ‘I enjoyed myself, I spent my time pleasantly.” But this is not profit. We profit when we understand what we read, when we censure ourselves and discipline ourselves by applying it: “What does this mean? Where do I stand in relation to this spiritual truth? What must I do now?” After all, ilie more we learn, the more responsibility we have to live up to what we have learned.”
– ‘Spiritual Awakening’