Then, in the next place, we must know that every being which is endowed with reason, and transgresses its statutes and limitations, is undoubtedly involved in sin by swerving from rectitude and justice.
OrigenRead
What each man honours before all else, what before all things he admires and loves, this for him is God.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that what a person values most deeply is akin to their understanding of God.
Origen's quote encapsulates the idea that a person's ultimate admiration or love defines their spiritual beliefs and priorities. It highlights that the qualities or entities we most honor reveal our true values and can be viewed as our personal interpretations of divinity or purpose in life.
Themes
ValuesLoveHonorSpiritualityBeliefs
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about personal values during a philosophy seminar.
More from Origen
All quotes βWhat good does it do me if Christ was born in Bethlehem once if he is not born again in my heart through faith?
OrigenRead
Similar quotes
When I had my sheep, I was happy, and I made those around me happy. People saw me coming and welcomed me, he thought. But now I'm sad and alone. I'm going to become bitter and distrustful of people because one person betrayed me. I'm going to hate those who have found their treasure because I never found mine. And I'm going to hold on to what little I have, because I'm too insignificant to conquer the world.
Paulo CoelhoRead
If we open a quarrel between past and present, we shall find that we have lost the future.
Winston ChurchillRead
The world is the house of the strong. I shall not know until the end what I have lost or won in this place, in this vast gambling den where I have spent more than sixty years, dice box in hand, shaking the dice.
Denis DiderotRead
A low capacity for getting along with those near us often goes hand in hand with a high receptivity to the idea of the brotherhood of men.
Eric HofferRead
The sum of a man's problems come from his inability to be alone in a silent room.
Blaise PascalRead
As civilization advances, the sense of wonder declines. Such decline is an alarming symptom of our state of mind. Mankind will not perish for want of information; but only for want of appreciation.
Abraham Joshua HeschelRead