But in destroying of sin by keeping thy heart, and in the continual desire of virtues and the joys of heaven, and to have the spiritual knowledge and love of Jesus Christ, hold there no mean, for the greater it is the better it is, for thou must hate sin and all fleshly loves and fears in thy heart without ceasing, and love virtue and purity and desire them without stinting if thou canst. I say not that all this is needful to salvation, but I trow it is speedful and much helping. And if thou keep this full intent, thou shalt profit more in one year in virtues than thou shalt without it in seven. (John Climacus)

Extremism in hating sin, fleshly loves, and fears is no vice, John assures us.

It is not necessary for salvation, but extremism can be expedient, he continues.

Can extremism and humility coincide? Where there is no mean, is there humility?

I have never met an extremist who has been a good listener. Every extremist I have encountered exudes unchecked pride. I will grant the possibility of exceptions, but I have not yet experienced an exception.

Virtue is, I think, a balancing of humility with other virtues.