When the intellect practices the virtues correctly, it advances in moral understanding. When it practices contemplation it advances in spiritual knowledge. The first leads the spiritual contestant to discriminate between virtue and vice; the second leads the participant to the inner qualities of incorporeal and corporeal things. Finally, the intellect is granted the grace of theology when, carried on wings of love beyond these two former stages, it is taken up into God and with the help of the Holy Spirit discerns - as far as this is possible for the human intellect - the qualities of God. (Maximos the Confessor)

When we are in virtuous relationship with others, when we engage others as expressions of God, we advance in moral understanding. When we listen regularly to God we advance in spiritual knowledge.

For some the abstraction Maximos describes is the ecstatic outcome. For others this daily discipline will motivate increasing service to others and God.

I am not sure if either is better than the other. The most grounded may experience the ecstatic. Very abstract theologians have empowered and exemplified courage and care. God invites us to find our way from wherever we must begin.