Origen of Alexandria, On First Principles 11
Let's consider briefly what we should think about the promises. It's certain that no animal can be completely idle and immobile, but instead is always moving and acting, and desires something - and it's clear that this nature is present in all living things. So, it's even more necessary for the rational animal, that is, human nature, to always be doing something. If someone is forgetful of themselves and doesn't know what's fitting for them, their whole intention is focused on physical needs and they're occupied with bodily pleasures and desires through all their actions. On the other hand, if someone strives to care for or provide for something that benefits everyone, whether by consulting for the state, obeying authorities, or doing something else that seems to be of common benefit, they exercise this inclination. Furthermore, if someone understands that there's something more important than physical things and devotes themselves to wisdom and knowledge, they will undoubtedly direct all their effort towards these studies, so that they may understand the causes and reasons behind things. Just as some people in this life consider the greatest good to be bodily pleasure, others think it's consulting for the common good, and others believe it's pursuing studies and intelligence, we require a similar approach in the true life, which is called hidden, with Christ in God - that is, in eternal life, if such a way of living will be our standard.
Latin
Videamus nune breviter quid etiam de repromissionibus sentiendum sit. Certum est quia nullum animal omnimodis otiosum atque immobile esse potest, sed omni genere moveri et agere semper et velle aliquid gestit; et hanc inesse naturam omnibus animantibus manifestum puto. Multo ergo magis rationabile animal, id est hominis naturam necesse est semper aliquid movere vel agere. Et si quidem immemor sui sit eb quid se deceat ignoret, circa usus corporales omnis sua movetur intentio et per omnes motus suos erga voluptates ac libidines corporis oecupatur; si vero talis sit, qui in commune aliquid curare vel providere studeat, aut rei publicae consulens aut magistratibus parens aut quidquid illud est, quod in commune certe prodesse videatur, exercet. Jam vero si qui talis sit, ut aliquid melius quam haee, quae corporea videntur, intellegat et sapientiae ac scientiae operam navet, sine dubio erga huiuscemodi studia omnem sui declinabit industriam, quo possit inquisita veritate rerum causas rationemque cognoscere. Nicut ergo in hae vita alius quidem summum bonum corporis iudicat voluptatem, alius vero in commune consulere, alius studus et intellegentiae operam dare: ita requirimus in illa “vitae quae vera est, quae “abscondita essedicitur -cum Christo in deo’, id est in illa aeterna vita, si aliqui talis erii nobis vivendi ordo vel status.