St. Paisios the Athonite: "How have men become like this! Like animals!"

St. Paisios the Athonite (source)

   
Someone told me: "They say that Athens is a 'jungle', but no one leaves from there! They all call it a 'jungle' and everyone gathers in the jungle." How have men become like this! Like animals! Do you know what animals do? In the beginning they enter a stable, and soil it with dung and urinate...Afterwards, the dung begins to break down. As soon as it breaks down, it feels warm. And their hearts can't bear to leave the stable, they are comfortable. Thus people, I want to say, sense the warmth of sin and it makes their heart not want to flee. They understand that it wreaks, but from that warmth their heart does not want to leave. Yes, if one were to go now into the stable, he couldn't stand the stench. Another who is continuously in the stable is not bothered by it, he has gotten used to it.
-St. Paisios the Athonite

(source)
  

Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us! Amen!