Tutor to the sons of the emperor Theodosius in the palace at Constantinople, learned in Greek and Latin, he left the court at about forty for the desert of Scetis. There he lived plaiting ropes of palm leaves, changing the water they soaked in only once a year, to keep the smell of his former perfumed life. The brothers said he had wept so much that his eyelashes had fallen out. Driven off by raids, he ended his life near Memphis.
In their own words
Arsenius, flee from men, and you will be saved.
Sayings of the Desert Fathers, Arsenius 1 (PG 65), translated from the Greek by the Manna team
Arsenius, flee, be silent, be still: these are the roots of a life without sin.
Sayings of the Desert Fathers, Arsenius 2 (PG 65), translated from the Greek by the Manna team
Many times I have spoken and been sorry for it; for keeping silent, never.
Sayings of the Desert Fathers, Arsenius 40 (PG 65), translated from the Greek by the Manna team
I have learned the learning of the Greeks and the Latins, but I do not yet know the alphabet of this peasant.
Sayings of the Desert Fathers, Arsenius 6 (PG 65), translated from the Greek by the Manna team