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When I get honest, I admit I am a bundle of paradoxes. I believe and I doubt, I hope and get discouraged, I love and I hate, I feel bad about feeling good, I feel guilty about not feeling guilty. I am trusting and suspicious. I am honest and I still play games. Aristotle said I am a rational animal; I say I am an angel with an incredible capacity for beer.
Brennan Manning
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote reflects the complex nature of human identity and emotions.

Brennan Manning's quote captures the intricacies of human existence, highlighting the inherent contradictions we all possess. He acknowledges that we often hold opposing beliefs and feelings simultaneously, illustrating how our behavior can be influenced by conflicting emotions, such as trust and suspicion or love and hate. The mention of Aristotle emphasizes the struggle to fit our multifaceted selves into simplistic definitions, suggesting that the richness of our humanity transcends rational classifications.

Themes

IdentityParadoxEmotionsHumanityComplexity

In practice

Example use cases

In a speech about mental health, one might reference this quote to emphasize the struggle of balancing various emotions.

More from Brennan Manning

Trust is that rare and priceless treasure that wins us the affection of our heavenly Father.
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There is the "you" that people see and then there is the "rest of you". Take some time and craft a picture of the "rest of you." This could be a drawing, in words, even a song. Just remember that the chances are good it will be full of paradox and contradictions.
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Do you honestly believe God likes you, not just loves you because theologically God has to love you?
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Suffering, failure, loneliness, sorrow, discouragement, and death will be part of your journey, but the Kingdom of God will conquer all these horrors. No evil can resist grace forever.
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For Ragamuffins, God's name is Mercy. We see our darkness as a prized possession because it drives us into the heart of God. Without mercy our darkness would plunge us into despair - for some, self-destruction. Time alone with God reveals the unfathomable depths of the poverty of the spirit. We are so poor that even our poverty is not our own: It belongs to the mysterium tremendum of a loving God.
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