The angels surround and help the priest when he is celebrating Mass.
Saint AugustineRead
Never judge a philosophy by its abuse.
Interpretation
What this quote means
One should not dismiss a philosophy simply because it has been misused by others.
Saint Augustine's quote reminds us that the essence of a philosophical idea should not be tainted by how some individuals might distort or misapply it. Just because a philosophy has been abused by some does not mean it lacks value or truth; instead, it encourages a deeper examination of the philosophy itself rather than a superficial judgment based on its misinterpretation.
Themes
PhilosophyJudgmentAbuseTruthWisdom
In practice
Example use cases
A speaker at a philosophy seminar might use this quote to emphasize the importance of understanding philosophical doctrines in their intended context.
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.
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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.
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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.
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Whatever skills I have acquired, whatever gifts I have been given, I place them at Your service.
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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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