And this would be little mastery or difficulty for thee to do, if thou didst once see thy own soul by clear understanding what it is, and how fair it is in its own nature, and so is still, were it not so overlaid with a black mantle of this foul image. But because thou knowest it not, therefore leavest thou the inward sight of thyself, and seekest thy food without, abroad, like a brute beast. (John Climacus)

Our task is to clean and cultivate our essential nature.

We have been distracted from this task by misunderstanding our nature and our needs.

Knowing what I really need depends on knowing who and what I am.

Knowing who I am points me to my origins and purpose.

Knowing my origins and purpose should help me know my destination, which would allow distinguishing want from need, surfeit from sufficient.