The Shame of Being Beaten by Greed

So if we want to compete by the rules in our spiritual combat, let us drive this dangerous enemy, too, out of our hearts. For to overcome him does not so much show great virtue as to be beaten by him is shameful and disgraceful. When you are overpowered by a strong man, though there is grief in being thrown and distress at losing the victory, the defeated can still draw some comfort from the strength of their opponent. But if the enemy is a weakling and the struggle a feeble one, then besides the grief of defeat there is a more disgraceful confusion, and a shame worse than the loss.