This is the great work of a man: always to take the blame for his own sins before God, and toexpect temptation to his last breath.
Anthony The GreatRead
The fruits of the earth are not brought to perfection immediately, but by time, rain and care; similarly, the fruits of men ripen through ascetic practice, study, time, perseverance, self-control and patience.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Just as crops require time and care to grow, personal growth needs discipline and patience.
This quote emphasizes the parallels between agriculture and personal development. Just as a farmer must nurture their crops with time, rain, and care to achieve a fruitful harvest, individuals must invest effort in practices such as asceticism, study, and self-control to mature and reach their potential. Both processes require patience and a commitment to long-term goals to yield meaningful results.
Themes
GrowthPatienceDisciplineDevelopmentAsceticism
In practice
Example use cases
You might use this quote during a workshop on personal development to emphasize the need for perseverance.
More from Anthony The Great
All quotes →Our life and our death is with our neighbor. If we gain our brother, we have gained God, but if we scandalize our brother, we have sinned against Christ.
Anthony The GreatRead
When Abba Anthony thought about the depths of the judgments of God, he asked, 'Lord, how is it that some die when they are young, while others drag on to extreme old age? Why are there those who are poor and those who are rich? Why do wicked men prosper and why are the just in need?' He heard a voice answering him, 'Antony, keep your attention on yourself; these things are according to the judgment of God, and it is not to your advantage to know anything about them.'
Anthony The GreatRead
Regard as free not those whose status makes them outwardly free, but those who are free in their character and conduct. For we should not call men truly free when they are wicked and dissolute, since they are slaves to worldly passions. Freedom and happiness of soul consist in genuine purity and detachment from transitory things.
Anthony The GreatRead
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