In each of us, not only does the capacity for great freedom mature, but so does the threat of being conquered by our own passions and delusions.

Enslaved by Inner Passions: The Battle for True Freedom

In each of us, not only does the capacity for great freedom mature, but so does the threat of being conquered by our own passions and delusions. Without fretting over external oppression, man becomes a prisoner of his internal desires—destructive forces that, like unseen masters, take control of the will and mind.

This internal struggle is vividly depicted in works where passions are portrayed as creditors, exacting relentless debts from the soul. In these portrayals, human weaknesses transform into insurmountable masters that constantly demand concessions and submission. The tragic metaphor of inner slavery reminds us that freedom is not granted from without, but earned through endless efforts in self-restraint and self-control.

An awareness of the danger inherent in excessive desires allows one to turn fate in one's favor. To battle the storm of inner impulses rather than succumb to them is the path to reclaiming true self-governance and spiritual balance. It is through conscious abstinence and the adoption of sensible measures that a person can free himself from the shackles imposed by his own nature and attain an independence that leads to a bright future.

If God has no slaves, how can it be explained that people become slaves to their passions and fancies?

People can become slaves to their passions and fancies not because there exists some external master, but due to an inherent internal tendency; when emotions and desires begin to seize control of their will and self-restraint, they lose their independence by succumbing to compulsive and destructive passions—even though, according to the idea, God has no slaves.

For example, one source states:
"Impure and shameful thoughts are typically born in the heart from the demon of debauchery, this heart the seducer; but they are healed by abstinence and by refraining from any association with them. How can I bind my flesh, this friend of mine, and judge it like other passions? I do not know. Rather, before I manage to bind it, it already sets itself free; before I begin to judge it, I reconcile with it; and before I start to torture it, I show pity for it." (source: link txt)

This emphasizes that the streams of improper thoughts and feelings possess the human heart, and without efforts at self-restraint, these passions will eventually prevail, turning a person into a kind of slave to his inner impulses.

In another work, the author describes a process in which passion literally becomes the master of the individual:
"Passion has bought my self-will and pours sin upon me. Despite the mind, passions boil within me; I have united them with my flesh, and they do not tolerate separation. I hasten to change my self-will, and my previous state resists me in that. I strive, poor me, to liberate my soul, while an evil creditor plunges me into deep debts; he does not remind me of repayment, but generously lends; he never wishes to take back, but desires only my slavery; he gives so that I may be enriched with passions, and does not demand repayment in return." (source: link txt)

This metaphor illustrates how passions, like creditors, enable a person to succumb to his desires, obliging him to constantly "repay the debt" through his ever-growing needs and weaknesses. Thus, one gradually finds oneself trapped in a debt pit of passions, losing the ability to control one's life.

Finally, in another excerpt, the author draws attention to the fact that many people allow their fancies, imposed habits, and absurd customs to become the very meaning of life:
"Alas, do not believe in such a unity of people… Understanding freedom as the multiplication and swift satiation of desires, they distort their own nature, for they engender within themselves many meaningless and foolish desires, habits, and absurd fancies. They live only for envy towards one another, for carnality and arrogance. Having dinners, outings, carriages, ranks, and slave-servants is considered such a necessity that they later sacrifice life, honor, and philanthropy to fulfill it, and even kill themselves if they cannot satisfy it. We see the same among those who are not wealthy, and among the poor, unmet needs and envy are for the time being dulled by drunkenness." (source: link txt)

Thus, despite the theological notion that God does not have slaves, people fall into the trap of their own passions and fancies, which, like unseen masters, govern their lives and deprive them of true freedom. This slavery is not imposed externally, but grows from the depths of human nature and the vulnerability to excessive passions.

Supporting citation(s):
"Impure and shameful thoughts are typically born in the heart from the demon of debauchery, this heart the seducer; but they are healed by abstinence and by refraining from any association with them. How can I bind my flesh, this friend of mine, and judge it like other passions? I do not know. Rather, before I manage to bind it, it already sets itself free; before I begin to judge it, I reconcile with it; and before I start to torture it, I show pity for it." (source: link txt)

"Passion has bought my self-will and pours sin upon me. Despite the mind, passions boil within me; I have united them with my flesh, and they do not tolerate separation. I hasten to change my self-will, and my previous state resists me in that. I strive, poor me, to liberate my soul, while an evil creditor plunges me into deep debts; he does not remind me of repayment, but generously lends; he never wishes to take back, but desires only my slavery; he gives so that I may be enriched with passions, and does not demand repayment in return." (source: link txt)

"Alas, do not believe in such a unity of people… Understanding freedom as the multiplication and swift satiation of desires, they distort their own nature, for they engender within themselves many meaningless and foolish desires, habits, and absurd fancies. They live only for envy towards one another, for carnality and arrogance. Having dinners, outings, carriages, ranks, and slave-servants is considered such a necessity that they later sacrifice life, honor, and philanthropy to fulfill it, and even kill themselves if they cannot satisfy it. We see the same among those who are not wealthy, and among the poor, unmet needs and envy are for the time being dulled by drunkenness." (source: link txt)