The angels surround and help the priest when he is celebrating Mass.
When [men] go to war, what they want is to impose on their enemies the victor's will and call it peace.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Saint Augustine critiques the hypocrisy in the concept of peace achieved through war, highlighting the desire for domination rather than true tranquility.
In this quote, Saint Augustine explores the paradox of war and peace, suggesting that what often passes for peace is merely a result of one group imposing its will over another. This perspective critiques the glorification of war, emphasizing that genuine peace cannot be achieved through force or domination, but rather through understanding and respect among nations.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the consequences of conflict, one might say, 'As Saint Augustine observed, when men go to war, they often impose their will rather than seeking true peace.'
More from Saint Augustine
All quotes βThere 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.
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.
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.
Whatever skills I have acquired, whatever gifts I have been given, I place them at Your service.
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.
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If every small nation with a border dispute believes they can go ahead and launch a pre-emptive war and that it will be approved by the greatest power, that is a very dangerous thing.
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