The living entity, attempting to enjoy matter through his particular field of activities (the body), shows that by nature he is meant to experience pleasure. The spiritual world is full of unlimited happiness, found in the unlimited varieties of experience. Unfortunately,the living entity's pleasure-seeking impulse pushes him to seek pleasure in matter, where it is not ultimately available—this world being the reflection of spirit. When he hears about the variety of enjoyment available in spiritual life, and that to attain it one must restrict himself from material pleasure, a materialist cannot understand. It is inconceivable to him that renunciation can give him access to a greater pleasure.
(SB 3.26.6 Novosibirsk, 11.15.1996)