[Saint John of the Cross] demonstrates by living examples that all seven capital sins, carried into the spiritual sphere, are to be found in beginners: spiritual pride that compliments itself on its graces and virtues, looks down on others, and prefers to instruct rather than accept instruction; spiritual avarice that cannot have enough of books, crucifixes, rosaries – and so on. In order to be freed from all these defects, we must be weaned from the milk of consolations and be fed with strengthening nourishment.
Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross