There is no affliction, trial, or labor difficult to endure, when we consider the torments and sufferings which Our Lord Jesus Christ endured for us.
Teresa Of AvilaRead
Our greatest gain is to lose the wealth that is of such brief duration and, by comparison with eternal things, of such little worth; yet we get upset about it and our gain turns to loss.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote highlights the futility of valuing temporary wealth over eternal spiritual wealth.
Teresa of Avila emphasizes that the pursuit of material wealth, which is fleeting and ultimately insignificant when compared to eternal truths and values, often leads to frustration and unhappiness. Instead of focusing on what truly matters, people can easily become upset over their loss of material possessions, turning what could be a gain in spiritual understanding into a loss of peace.
Themes
WealthEternitySpiritualityLossGain
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about minimalism and personal values, this quote could be used to emphasize the importance of valuing experiences over possessions.
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I say the same of humility and of all the virtues; the wiles of the devil are terrible, he will run a thousand times round hell if by so doing he can make us believe that we have a single virtue which we have not. And he is right, for such ideas are very harmful, and such imaginary virtues, when they come from this source, are never unaccompanied by vainglory; just as those which God gives are free both from this and from pride.
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