Just as a person is not capable of correctly assessing his own true condition, so too he cannot discern whether he is in a stage of spiritual ascent or decline. For although he may feel he is in a spiritual downturn, in fact it might be the will of the Creator showing him his true state. This is in order to demonstrate that without self-indulgence one is not capable of functioning and is immediately given to despair, or even depression and anger, because the persons body is not receiving enough pleasure from such a life.

But, in fact, this condition represents a spiritual ascent, for at that moment he is closer to the truth than before, when he was happy in this world. It is said that the one who increases knowledge, increases sorrow. Conversely, when one feels he is experiencing spiritual ascent, it may in fact may be just a misinterpreted state of self- indulgence and complacency.