Summary
When Good Intentions Go Too Far
Dark Night of the Soul by Saint John of the Cross
You know that feeling when you can't stop thinking about dessert while you're supposed to be meditating? He's describing people who chase the high of spiritual experiences rather than doing the harder work of becoming better people. These seekers become like spiritual junkies, overdoing practices that make them feel good - excessive fasting, extreme penances, marathon meditation sessions - because they're hooked on the emotional payoff. The problem isn't the practices themselves, but the motivation behind them. They're seeking sweetness instead of strength, comfort instead of character. John points out how this leads to destructive behavior: people push themselves beyond their limits, hide their extreme practices from mentors and guides, and essentially become their own worst enemies. They think they know better than experienced advisors, preferring their own judgment to proven wisdom. This isn't really about religion - it's about any transformative process. Whether you're getting sober, learning a skill, or working on yourself, there's always the temptation to chase the feel-good moments rather than embrace the difficult but necessary work. John's insight is that God (or life, or growth itself) values steady progress and wise discernment over dramatic gestures and emotional highs. The chapter serves as a warning against mistaking intensity for authenticity, and pleasure for progress.
Coming Up in Chapter 7
Having exposed the trap of spiritual gluttony, John will next examine another common pitfall that derails genuine seekers - the subtle ways our ego disguises itself as spiritual progress.
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An excerpt from the original text.(complete · 224 words)
Of imperfections with respect to spiritual gluttony. With respect to the fourth sin, which is spiritual gluttony, there is much to be said, for there is scarce one of these beginners who does not fall into some of these many imperfections. Many of these persons, lured by the sweetness and pleasure which they find therein, strive more after spiritual sweetness than after spiritual purity and discretion, which is that which God regards and accepts throughout the spiritual journey. Therefore, besides the imperfection of seeking after these consolations, the pleasure which they find in them causes them many other imperfections. For many of them become so greedy after such sweetness that they kill themselves with penances, and others weaken themselves with fasts, by performing more than their frailty can bear, without the permission of those who have power to command them, and they endeavor to conceal these penances from those persons, sometimes even from their own confessor. These persons are most imperfect and unreasonable; for they set their own opinion before obedience, which is that which God regards and values more than all offerings and sacrifices. They are impelled to these pious excesses by a certain sensual attachment which they have to the pleasure which they find in them, because of which they consider that which is not so pleasurable to be of less worth.
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Intelligence Amplifier™ Analysis
The Road of Feel-Good Addiction
Becoming addicted to the emotional highs of growth rather than doing the steady work that creates lasting change.
Why This Matters
Connect literature to life
This chapter teaches how to recognize when you're chasing the feeling of growth rather than building actual foundations.
Practice This Today
This week, notice when you feel the urge to do more, go harder, or prove your commitment - ask yourself if you're building something sustainable or performing transformation.
Now let's explore the literary elements.
Terms to Know
Spiritual gluttony
The tendency to become addicted to the good feelings that come from spiritual practices rather than focusing on actual growth. It's like being hooked on the emotional high instead of doing the real work.
Modern Usage:
We see this in people who chase the rush of new self-help methods instead of sticking with the boring daily work of change.
Penances
Acts of self-punishment or extreme discipline meant to show devotion or achieve spiritual purification. In John's time, this might include harsh fasting, physical discomfort, or giving up pleasures.
Modern Usage:
Today this shows up as extreme workout regimens, crash diets, or any punishing routine someone thinks will make them better.
Confessor
A spiritual advisor or priest who guides someone's religious development and hears their confessions. This person is meant to provide wisdom and keep the seeker on track.
Modern Usage:
Like a therapist, sponsor, mentor, or coach - someone with experience who helps you avoid common mistakes.
Spiritual consolations
The pleasant feelings, peace, or emotional highs that can come from prayer, meditation, or other spiritual practices. John warns against becoming addicted to these good feelings.
Modern Usage:
Similar to the runner's high, the satisfaction of a clean house, or any good feeling we get from positive activities.
Discretion
The ability to make wise judgments about what's appropriate and balanced. John values this over dramatic gestures or extreme practices.
Modern Usage:
It's having good judgment - knowing when enough is enough, whether in work, relationships, or personal habits.
Obedience
Following the guidance of experienced advisors rather than trusting only your own judgment. John sees this as more valuable than dramatic personal sacrifices.
Modern Usage:
Like following your doctor's orders instead of self-medicating, or taking advice from people who've been where you want to go.
Characters in This Chapter
The spiritual gluttons
Cautionary examples
These are the beginners who get hooked on the good feelings from spiritual practices and start overdoing everything. They fast too much, do extreme penances, and hide their behavior from their guides.
Modern Equivalent:
The gym newbie who goes seven days a week and burns out
The confessor
Ignored advisor
The experienced guide who should be helping these beginners stay balanced, but they hide their extreme practices from him because they think they know better.
Modern Equivalent:
The personal trainer whose advice gets ignored by the client who thinks more is always better
Key Quotes & Analysis
"they strive more after spiritual sweetness than after spiritual purity and discretion, which is that which God regards and accepts"
Context: John is explaining why these beginners go wrong in their spiritual practices
This gets to the heart of the problem - people chase what feels good instead of what actually helps them grow. John argues that wisdom and balance matter more than intensity or emotional highs.
In Today's Words:
They want the good feelings more than they want real growth, but real growth is what actually matters.
"they set their own opinion before obedience, which is that which God regards and values more than all offerings and sacrifices"
Context: Describing how these people ignore their spiritual advisors and trust only themselves
John points out that following wise guidance is more valuable than any dramatic gesture you might make on your own. It's about humility and recognizing that experience matters.
In Today's Words:
They think they know better than everyone else, but listening to good advice is worth more than any grand gesture.
"they kill themselves with penances, and others weaken themselves with fasts, by performing more than their frailty can bear"
Context: Describing the self-destructive behavior of spiritual gluttons
This shows how addiction to good feelings can lead to genuinely harmful behavior. These people are literally hurting themselves because they're chasing an emotional high rather than sustainable growth.
In Today's Words:
They push themselves so hard they're actually damaging their health, doing way more than their bodies can handle.
Thematic Threads
Self-Deception
In This Chapter
Spiritual seekers convince themselves that extreme practices prove their dedication, when they're actually feeding their ego
Development
Introduced here
In Your Life:
You might tell yourself you're 'really committed' when you're actually just chasing the rush of feeling special or different.
Authority
In This Chapter
Beginners reject guidance from experienced mentors, preferring their own judgment and extreme methods
Development
Introduced here
In Your Life:
You might dismiss advice from people who've succeeded in areas where you're struggling, thinking your situation is different or special.
Addiction
In This Chapter
People become addicted to spiritual consolations and emotional highs rather than focusing on character development
Development
Introduced here
In Your Life:
You might find yourself chasing the feeling of progress rather than actually making progress in any area of growth.
Extremism
In This Chapter
Excessive fasting, extreme penances, and marathon spiritual practices that harm rather than help
Development
Introduced here
In Your Life:
You might swing to extremes in diet, exercise, work, or relationships, thinking more intensity equals better results.
Pride
In This Chapter
Hidden arrogance in thinking you know better than experienced guides, disguised as spiritual devotion
Development
Introduced here
In Your Life:
You might secretly believe you're more dedicated or insightful than others, even while appearing humble on the surface.
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
- 1
What does John mean by 'spiritual gluttony' and how does it show up in beginners on any meaningful journey?
analysis • surface - 2
Why do people become addicted to the emotional highs of growth rather than focusing on steady progress?
analysis • medium - 3
Where do you see this pattern of chasing feelings over building foundations in modern life - at work, in fitness, relationships, or personal development?
application • medium - 4
How can someone tell the difference between healthy enthusiasm and destructive intensity when starting something new?
application • deep - 5
What does this chapter reveal about why we often become our own worst enemies when trying to grow or change?
reflection • deep
Critical Thinking Exercise
Map Your Own Gluttony Pattern
Think of a time when you started something new with great enthusiasm - a job, hobby, relationship, fitness routine, or personal goal. Write down what the early 'high' felt like, then trace how chasing that feeling led you off track. What warning signs did you ignore? What advice did you dismiss? How did the pursuit of intensity replace the work of consistency?
Consider:
- •Notice if you hid your extreme efforts from people who cared about you
- •Look for moments when you trusted your enthusiasm over experienced guidance
- •Identify what sustainable approach you wish you had taken instead
Journaling Prompt
Write about a current area of your life where you might be chasing the feeling of progress rather than building the foundation for real change. What would steady, humble work look like in this situation?
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 7: When Spiritual Progress Breeds Jealousy
The coming pages reveal spiritual competition can poison your growth journey, and teach us seeking only pleasant experiences stunts development. These discoveries help us navigate similar situations in our own lives.