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.
More from Teresa Of Avila
All quotes →How often I failed in my duty to God, because I was not leaning on the strong pillar of prayer.
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What friends or kindred can be so close and intimate as the powers of our soul, which, whether we will or no, must ever bear us company?
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To converse with You, O King of glory, no third person is needed, You are always ready in the Sacrament of the Altar to give audience to all. All who desire You always find You there, and converse with You face to face
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If we do not use great care to mortify our will, there are many things which can deprives us of the holy freedom of spirit that we are seeking in order to fly more freely to our Creator, without always being bogged down with the clay of this earth. Moreover, there can never be solid virtue in a soul that is attached to its own will.
Teresa Of AvilaRead
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.
Teresa Of AvilaRead
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