Asceticism in Seeking Knowledge and Its Causes

Question:
He says: What is your opinion on asceticism in seeking knowledge? Circles of knowledge are held, yet only a very few attend them. Even in the halls of Islamic universities, we find a great deal of indifference toward seeking knowledge. In fact, some attribute this to employment, saying that so-and-so graduated but could not find a job, so perhaps he became lazy or gave up.

Answer:
In any case, seeking knowledge is a path to good. The devils among humans and jinn try to divert people from the paths of good by casting these doubts. Also, laziness is a factor; seeking knowledge is an ascent and a rise, which is difficult for the soul. The soul wants to descend, to be lazy and sluggish; it does not want to rise and ascend, and that is hard for it. So whoever wants to surrender to his soul will undoubtedly be led by it to a result that is not praiseworthy. Whoever strives against his soul and is patient, Allah willing, will be helped. Yes.