Now seeing virtues dispose us to Contemplation, it behoveth us to use the means that may bring us to virtues. And they be three means which men most commonly use that give themselves to Contemplation: As reading of holy Scripture and good books, secondly, spiritual meditation; thirdly, diligent prayer with devotion. (John Climacus)

I wonder if John's original Greek, translated here as Contemplation, might be related to φρόνησις or phronesis?

Phronesis is the practical wisdom - but still a contemplative wisdom - of Aristotle. This is the ability to effectively apply universal principles to particular situations.

In the Epistle to the Ephesians (1:7-10) Paul writes, "In all wisdom and insight (phronesis) He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth."

For Aristotle the contemplative and practical aspects of life are not competitive but complementary.

For Aristotle - and it would seem for John Climacus - phronesis is achieved over time through disciplined and self-aware engagement with the virtues. Ethical behavior is habitual behavior. The experience of living virtuously incrementally enhances our phronetic potential or the possibility of practically living in accordance with our purpose.



The image is Aristotle Contemplating a Bust of Homer by Rembrandt.