"Abba Theodore of Phermē possessed three fine books. Visiting Abba Macarius, he said to him: “I have three fine books and I benefit from them; the brothers borrow them and benefit too. Tell me what I ought to have done. Am I to keep them for my benefit and the brothers’ or sell them and give [the proceeds] to the poor?” In answer the elder said: “Deeds are good, but indifference to possessions is greater than all.” On hearing this he went and sold them, donating the proceeds to the poor."