Guru Nanak

Asceticism doesn't lie in mere words; He is an ascetic who treats everyone alike. Asceticism doesn't lie in visiting burial places; it lies not in wandering about nor in bathing at places of pilgrimage. Asceticism is to remain pure amidst impurities.

Philosopher

Jeremy Bentham

The principle of asceticism never was, nor ever can be, consistently pursued by any living creature. Let but one tenth part of the inhabitants of the earth pursue it consistently, and in a day's time they will have turned it into a Hell.

English Philosopher

Asceticism doesn't lie in ascetic robes or in walking staff nor in the ashes. Asceticism doesn't lie in the earring nor in the shaven head nor blowing a conch. Asceticism lies in remaining pure amidst impurities.

Ross Douthat

That clerical celibacy doesn't guarantee asceticism is obvious, any more than attending Mass guarantees prayerfulness (trust me on that one). But it preserves the call even when the system is corrupted.

American Author

Katherine Anne Porter

They had both noticed that a life of dissipation sometimes gave to a face the look of gaunt suffering spirituality that a life of asceticism was supposed to give and quite often did not.

American Journalist

Paul Rand

I never did calligraphy... But handwriting is an entirely different kind of thing. It's part of the syndrome of modernism... It's part of that asceticism.

American Designer

Asceticism is frequently linked with religious devotion and sacrifice.

Often Spiritual

Asceticism is chosen, unlike poverty, which is often involuntary.

Not Poverty

Asceticism involves deeper sacrifice than just living with fewer belongings.

Beyond Minimalism

Asceticism emphasizes inner spiritual growth over external pleasures.

Inner Priorities

Asceticism can be a philosophical concept, not just religious.

Philosophical Use

Asceticism is about strict self-control, beyond normal restraint.