The basic disease is sloth.
It is that strange laziness and passivity of our entire being which always pushes us “down” rather than “up” — which constantly convinces us that no change is possible and therefore desirable.
It is in fact a deeply rooted cynicism which to every spiritual challenge responds “what for?” and makes our life one tremendous spiritual waste.
It is the root of all sin because it poisons the spiritual energy at its very source.
Fr. Alexander Schmemann on the Prayer of St. Ephraim