Neither the Desert Nor Old Age Quiets It

Other vices, as we said, are sometimes quieted by the advantages of a place. When the material of the sin, and the occasion and opportunity for it, are taken away, they slacken and grow less. But this one goes into the deserts with the man who flees from it. It cannot be shut out of any place, and it does not fail when outward material for it is taken away, for it is fed simply by the virtuous achievements of the man it attacks. All other vices, as we said above, sometimes lessen and disappear with the passing of time. To this one a long life is no hindrance, unless that life is backed by skillful diligence and wise discernment; it actually supplies it with new fuel for vanity.