Choose a topic from Part 2B:

15. Vices Opposed to Knowledge and Understanding

1. A person who turns away his mind from all considerationof God, or who so busies himself with creatural things that he hasno time to think of God and of his own soul's needs, is subjectto mental and spiritual blindness; in so far as this is aperson's own fault, it is a sin.

2. Blindness of mind is a complete privation ofthe consideration of spiritual goods. Dullness of sense isa partial privation; it is a weakness, not a total absence, ofmental vision which beholds spiritual goods. Thus dullness, in sofar as it is voluntary, is also sinful.

3. It appears that both dullness of sense and blindness ofmind arise primarily from sins of the flesh; the former fromgluttony, and the latter from lust.

"If you wish to learn and appreciate something worth while, then love to be unknown and considered as nothing. Truly to know and despise self is the best and most perfect counsel."
Thomas á Kempis

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"Whoever wants to stand alone without the support of a master and guide will be like the tree that stands alone in a field without a proprietor. No matter how much the tree bears, passers-by will pick the fruit before it ripens. "
St John of the Cross, OCD - Doctor of the Church

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"Many words do not satisfy the soul; but a good life eases the mind and a clean conscience inspires great trust in God."
Thomas á Kempis

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