Origen of Alexandria, On First Principles 11

Let us now briefly consider what we should think about the promises as well. It is certain that no animal at all can be entirely idle and immobile; rather, it strives to be moved and to act in every way, always willing to do something. I think it is clear that this nature belongs to all living things. Therefore, the rational animal — that is, human nature — must always be moving or doing something. If someone is forgetful of himself and ignores what befits him, his whole intention is directed toward bodily uses, and through all his movements he is occupied with the body's pleasures and desires. If, however, he is the sort who strives to care for or provide something in common — whether advising for the republic, supporting the magistrates, or exercising whatever certainly seems to benefit the common good — he pursues that. Now, if someone is such that he understands something better than these bodily things and devotes himself to wisdom and knowledge, without doubt he will direct all his industry toward such studies, so that he may come to know the causes and reason of things investigated. Just as, then, in this life one person judges the body's greatest good to be pleasure, another strives to consult for the common good, and another devotes himself to studies and intelligence: so we ask that in that true life, which is called "hidden with Christ in God" — that is, in that eternal life — such a way of living or state might exist for us. (Colossians 3:3)