"For thirty years I have never smiled."

“Five of the signs of wretchedness in a man are: Hardness in the hearts, severity in the eyes, paucity of shame, desire for this world, and limitless expectation for worldly gain.”

“It is offensive that there should be seen in the outward appearance of man more humility than what is in his heart.”

“On the Day of Judgement many a rich will suffer imprisonment and the office-holders of the world will have a terrible time, being called to answer for their deeds. So be prepared to answer for your acts on that Day.”

“God revealed to the mountain, I will speak a prophet upon one of you; so the mountains raised themselves high is pride while Mount Sinai lowered itself humbly. Then God spoke to Moses on this mountain because of its humility.”

“Just as it is impossible to shed tears in Paradise, so to laugh in the world is also a matter of surprise. For just as Paradise is not a place for tears, similarly the world is no place for laughter.”

“I wish to fall ill that all my time may pass in seclusion with the Lord and be saved appearing in mass prayers.”