Action and contemplation are very close companions; they live together in one house on equal terms. Martha and Mary are sisters.
Bernard Of ClairvauxRead
You wish to see; listen. Hearing is a step toward Vision.
Interpretation
To gain insight, one must first listen. Listening opens the door to deeper understanding and perception.
The quote emphasizes the importance of listening as a precursor to gaining true insight and understanding. It suggests that by paying attention and actively listening, individuals can enhance their perception and move towards a clearer vision of reality. This aligns with the idea that comprehension and awareness begin with the ability to hear and absorb information from the world around us.
In practice
In a workshop about communication skills, this quote can remind participants of the importance of active listening.
Action and contemplation are very close companions; they live together in one house on equal terms. Martha and Mary are sisters.
Neither fear nor self-interest can convert the soul. They may change the appearance, perhaps even the conduct, but never the object of supreme desire... Fear is the motive which constrains the slave; greed binds the selfish man, by which he is tempted when he is drawn away by his own lust and enticed (James 1:14). But neither fear nor self-interest is undefiled, nor can they convert the soul. Only charity can convert the soul, freeing it from unworthy motives.
Pride only, the chief of all iniquities, can make us treat gifts as if they were rightful attributes of our nature, and, while receiving benefits, rob our Benefactor of His due glory.
The piercing nail has become a key to unlock the door, that I may see the good will of the Lord. And what can I see as I look through the hole? Both the nail and the wound cry out that God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself... Through these sacred wounds we can see the secret of his heart, the great mystery of love.
What I know of the divine_x000D_ science and holy scripture,_x000D_ I learnt in the woods and fields.
Learn the lesson that, if you are to do the work of a prophet, what you need is not a sceptre but a hoe.
The Devil is easy to identify. He appears when you're terribly tired and makes a very reasonable request which you know you shouldn't grant.
I think we've debunked the myth of talent. It doesn't appear that there's anything like a music gene or center in the brain that Stevie Wonder has that nobody else has.
Self confidence is the ability to exercise restraint in the face of disrespect and still show respect in response.
He who is his own guide is guided by a fool.
In many cases, if we knew what it would take, we might have thought twice about it, so it's often wonderful that we don't have hindsight.
Steady faith is stronger than destiny. Destiny is the result of causes, mostly accidental, and is therefore loosely woven. Confidence and good hope will overcome it easily.
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