The monk will be so prepared at all times as if he were to die tomorrow, and on the other hand, he should deal with his body as though he still has many years to live together with it.

The first, he said, cuts off despondent thoughts, and makes the monk more zealous; the latter, on the contrary, keeps his body healthy and makes it always preserve an even temperance.

- Evagrius Ponticus, quoting Macarius the Great