"These are the general features characteristic of a sinner. The particular features of a man who has deprived himself of grace are presented as follows. Having turned away from God, a man becomes centered on himself and puts himself as the main object of his entire life and activity. This is certain, because after God there is nothing greater for man than himself. Having received the fullness of grace previously (baptism), and having now become empty without God, he is in a hurry and concerned with how and by what means he can fill this emptiness which is inside of him. This emptiness, which was formed in him as a result of falling away from God, kindles in him an incessant craving that nothing can satisfy. This craving is vague, but constant."
- St. Theophan the Recluse, Turning the Heart to God, p.5 (published separately, this is the second part of The Path to Salvation).