There is no victory more glorious than to vanquish oneself.
Hierarch Tichon of Zadonsk
As it is impossible for one suffering from a long illness to receive health in one instant, so it is impossible in a short time to vanquish the passions, or even a single one of them.
Venerable John of the Ladder
In spiritual warfare, one must try to act as sailors act: during a severe storm they think neither of food, nor of drink, but turn all their attention to saving the ship from destruction; when the storm passes, the tension slackens, and the men accept food and rest. On the ship they know also that they are afloat on a inconstant and treacherous element. That is why they do not give themselves over to carefree indolence and comfort, but are ready for new struggles in order to save the ship and themselves in the event of a new storm. Thus also should it be in spiritual life.
Philaret, Archbishop of Chernigov
The passions will never gain the upper hand over a zealous and vigilant man. Even if, on account of the wiles of the tempter, he were to fall, his zeal and vigilance will restore him at once.
Saint Anthony the Great
When thou strugglest against the passions, do not become fainthearted and do not lose vigilance if the warfare does not cease; but having gotten up, turn to God and with the prophet cry out with all thy heart: "War against them that war against me" (Psalm 34:1), because I am not able to oppose them: and He, seeing thy humility, will quickly send His help to thee.
Abba Philemon
God grant us strength, so that even if we have not succeeded in uprooting a passion, then at least we would not act according to it and would oppose it. For I shall tell you in truth it is a grave matter to act according to a passion and not to oppose it. He who acts according to a passion is like a man who, on being struck by the arrows of his enemy, takes them and with his own hands thrusts them into his own heart. He who opposes a passion is like a man who is showered with the arrows of his enemy, but is clad in armor, and that is why he does not receive any wounds. And he who uproots a passion is like a man who, on being showered with the arrows of his enemy, breaks them and turns them back into the heart of his enemy, as it is said in the Psalm: "Let their sword enter into their own hearts and let their bows be broken" (Psalm 36:15).
Always cut off the passions while they are still young, before they take root and become stronger in you and begin to depress you: for then you will have to suffer much from them. It is one thing to yank up a small blade of grass, and another to uproot a large tree.
Abba Dorotheus
Be watchful of the passions as a tamer is of animals. Treat the ferocious passions as a trainer does stubborn beasts.
St. Ephraim the Syrian
Thou shalt not inherit the kingdom of heaven if thou wilt not become a king over thy lusts and thoughts.
Hierarch Dimitri of Rostov