“So, following the teachings of these blessed saints, we utterly renounce these corruptible and perishable things of life, wherein may be found nothing stable or constant, or that continues in one stay. But all things are vanity and vexation of spirit, and many are the changes they bring in a moment, for they are slighter than dreams and a shadow or the breeze that blows the air. Small and short-lived is their charm, that is after all no charm, but illusion and deception of the wickedness of the world.”
John of Damascus (c. 676-749) in Balaam and Joseph 12.109-10.