The angels surround and help the priest when he is celebrating Mass.
Saint AugustineRead
Men go abroad to wonder at the heights of mountains, at the huge waves of the sea, at the long courses of the rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motions of the stars, and they pass by themselves without wondering.
Interpretation
What this quote means
People often marvel at the wonders of nature, yet overlook the profound mysteries within themselves.
In this quote, Saint Augustine reflects on the tendency of humans to be captivated by the grandeur of the natural world while neglecting to contemplate their own inner complexities. It suggests that while it's natural to be awed by external wonders such as mountains and oceans, true introspection and self-awareness are equally important and often overlooked.
Themes
Self-AwarenessIntrospectionNatureWonderPhilosophy
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech about self-reflection, one might quote Augustine to emphasize the importance of looking inward.
More from Saint Augustine
All quotes →There is no health in those who are displeased by an element in Your creation, just as there was none in me when I was displeased by many things You had made. Because my soul didn't dare to say that my God displeased me, it refused to attribute to You whatever was displeasing.
Saint AugustineRead
Bad times, hard times, this is what people keep saying; but let us live well, and times shall be good. We are the times: Such as we are, such are the times.
Saint AugustineRead
Who can map out the various forces at play in one soul? Man is a great depth, O Lord. The hairs of his head are easier by far to count than his feeling, the movements of his heart.
Saint AugustineRead
Whatever skills I have acquired, whatever gifts I have been given, I place them at Your service.
Saint AugustineRead
Everyone who observes himself doubting observes a truth, and about that which he observes he is certain; therefore he is certain about a truth. Everyone therefore who doubts whether truth exists has in himself a truth on which not to doubt.... Hence one who can doubt at all ought not to doubt the existence of truth.
Saint AugustineRead
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