Practical Knowledge Comes First

Whoever wants to arrive at this contemplative knowledge, then, must first pursue practical knowledge with all his might and strength. For practical knowledge can be gained without contemplative, but contemplative knowledge cannot possibly be gained without practical. There are certain stages, distinct from one another and so arranged that human humility can climb on high by them. If they follow one another in the order we have described, a person can reach a height to which he could not fly if the first step were missing. In vain, then, does anyone strive for the vision of God who does not shun the stains of sins. “For the spirit of God hates deceit, and does not dwell in a body subject to sins.” [a]