The angels surround and help the priest when he is celebrating Mass.
Saint AugustineRead
It was pride that changed angels into devils; it is humility that makes men as angels.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Pride can lead to negative outcomes, while humility fosters goodness.
This quote by Saint Augustine highlights the transformative nature of pride and humility. It suggests that pride has the power to corrupt and lead even the purest beings, like angels, into moral downfall, whereas humility can elevate ordinary people to a higher moral standing, akin to that of angels. The contrast between pride and humility serves as a powerful reminder of the virtues we should strive for in our lives.
Themes
PrideHumilityAngelsDevilsVirtue
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech, one might say this quote to emphasize the importance of humility.
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.
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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