Masterascetic,
Thanks for your interesting question! The practice of fasting has many
proponents, among them some very vocal historical figures. That said,
here are the quotes I obtained for you, specific to the cognitive
benefits of fasting.
"There is [a] spiritual strength derived from the subjecting of the
physical appetite to the will of the individual. He who reigns within
himself and rules passions, desires, and fears is more than king. If
there were no other virtues in fasting but gaining strength of
character, that alone would be sufficient justification for its
universal acceptance."
~ David McKay (1873-1970)
American religious leader
"Fasting gives you confidence to know that your spirit can master
appetite . . . and helps to protect against later uncontrolled
cravings and gnawing habits."
~ Russell M. Nelson (1924-)
US religious leader, renowned heart surgeon & medical researcher, BA, MD & PhD
"The goal of fasting is inner unity. This means hearing but not with
the ear; hearing, but not with the understanding; it is hearing with
the spirit, with your whole being. . . . The hearing of the spirit is
not limited to any one faculty, to the ear, or to the mind. Hence, it
demands the emptiness of all the faculties. And when the faculties are
empty, then the whole being listens."
~ Thomas Merton (1915-1968)
American religious writer & poet, became a Trappist monk & priest
"If thou wouldst preserve a sound body, use fasting and walking; if a
healthful soul, fasting and praying. Walking exercises the body;
praying exercises the soul; fasting cleanses both."
~ Francis Quarles (1592-1644)
English poet
For a truly ancient perspective, tune into Plato: "I fast for greater
mental and physical efficiency."
( http://www.quit-smoking-tips.com/articles/040703_juice_fasting.htm )
From more of a physical perspective:
"Fasting is the greatest remedy-the physician within."
~ Paracelsus, Physician (Middle Ages)
( http://www.quit-smoking-tips.com/articles/040703_juice_fasting.htm )
"The best of all medicines are rest and fasting."
~ Benjamin Franklin
"Fasting is the first principle of medicine."
~ Mevlana Rumi (1207-1273), Persian sufi mystic
< http://www.zaadz.com/quotes/search/?search=fasting >
Gandhi made the following observations on fasting from a spiritual perspective:
?A complete fast is a complete and literal denial of self. It is the
truest prayer.?
?A genuine fast cleanses the body, mind, and soul. It crucifies the
flesh and to that extent sets the soul free.?
?What the eyes are for the outer world, fasts are for the inner.?
Source:
M.K. Ghandi Institute
< http://www.indiaspace.com/quotes.htm#FAST >
Ezra Taft Benson, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture (1953?61), had this to
say on fasting:
"Periodic fasting can help clear up the mind and strengthen the body
and the spirit.? ( http://www.ldscn.com/wool/fasting.shtml )
On fasting, from American writer Upton Sinclair:
"I have found a perfect health, a new state of existence, a feeling of
purity and happiness, something unknown to humans."
And from Leo Tolstoy:
"To refuse food and drink is more than a pleasure; it is the joy of the soul!"
( Fasting Center International http://www.fasting.com/testimonials.html )
While a more extreme example, magician/daredevil David Blaine made
these comments following a 44-day fast:
"I think about food all the time now but then I felt very liberated. I
had no wheat or dairy to clog up my system. I felt very pure and
refreshed. I got very energised mentally. I really enjoyed it in a
way."
(http://news.scotsman.com/features.cfm?id=1344872003)
While I was unable to find quotes on the subject from the following,
FrancoisVoltaire, Franz Kafka, Martin Luther, the Dalai Lama,
Aristotle and Pythagoras are all alleged to have extolled the
cognitive benefits of fasting.
Here is a selection of the search strings I used to find your answer:
Fasting quotes
Fasting quotations
Writings fasting
Proponents fasting
Fasting testimonials
Benefits fasting
If you require clarification or additional assistance, please don?t
hesitate to ask. All the best!
Emjay-ga |
