March 17

We can improve this world only by distributing the true faith among the world's people.

A society cannot live without a united faith and purpose. All social activity cannot really improve our social life if it is not based on the foundations established by religion.

— Giuseppe Mazzini

The apostles lived united, in such a way that they shared one heart and soul. If they had not, no one today would know about Christianity. When some pagans did not accept Christianity, it was because they did not see complete unification and love among Christians. We Christians are to blame when other people do not accept the Christian faith. 

— After Saint John Chrysostom

Christianity in its pure and sincere form works like dynamite: it blows up old mountains and opens up new horizons.

If you see that some aspect of your society is bad, and you want to improve it, there is only one way to do so: you have to improve people. And in order to improve people, you begin with only one thing: you can become better yourself. 

January 26

A rich man cannot be merciful. If he becomes really merciful, he will quickly lose his riches.

Stop robbing others before you give money to beggars. With the same hand that we rob one person, we reward another, giving to the poor the money which we have taken from the even poorer. Better no charity than this kind of charity.

— Saint John Chrysostom

The best example of the cruelty of the rich man's life is his effort to become virtuous.

But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue, but in deed and truth.

— 1 John 3:17-18

In order to love not with word and tongue, but in deed and  truth, everyone should help those who ask for help, so Christ said. But if you start giving to all those who ask, even if you are very rich, very soon you will not be rich any more.

November 15

The joy of wealth is inconstant.

Wherever your heart is, there will be your treasure. The heart of a person whose major treasure is wealth is buried in filth.

Is it true people were created to collect more and more gold? No. God created people after His own image; He created you so that you could fulfill his will.

— Saint John Chrysostom

Why should a person be rich? Why should he have expensive horses, rich clothes, wonderful rooms, and the leisure to visit public places of entertainment? Because he does not have enough thoughts to accompany his intellect. Give this person the inner work of his intellect, and he will be happier than the richest man. — Ralph Waldo Emerson

For those who live a spiritual life, wealth is not only unnecessary but uncomfortable. It stops the development of one's real life. 

September 12

You cannot serve both god and the devil. Merely tending to the growth of your wealth has nothing to do with the requirements of the truly spiritual life.

It seems to me that the old prejudice that wealth brings happiness has begun to be discredited.

The love of great wealth commends you, "Bring me your soul as a sacrifice," and people will do so.

— Saint John Chrysostom

Excessive dress prevents the body from moving freely. Excessive wealth interferes with the movements of our soul.

— Demosthenes

The desire for wealth can never be satisfied. Those who have it are excited by the wish to have more, and yet more.

— Marcus Tullius Cicero

Do not fear poverty, but beware wealth.

If only people who seek wealth could clearly see what they would lose by having it, they would put the same amount of effort into getting rid of this wealth as they now put into acquiring it.