The truth is like a lion; you don’t have to defend it. Let it loose; it will defend itself. ~St. Augustine of Hippo
If you believe what you like in the Gospel, and reject what you don’t like, it is not the Gospel you believe, but yourself. ~St. Augustine of Hippo
There is no saint without a past, no sinner without a future. ~St. Augustine of Hippo
Christ is not valued at all, unless he is valued above all. ~St. Augustine of Hippo
God has promised forgiveness to your repentance, but He has not promised tomorrow to your procrastination. ~St. Augustine of Hippo
What does love look like? It has the hands to help others. It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy. It has eyes to see misery and want. It has the ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of men. That is what love looks like. ~St. Augustine of Hippo
God is always trying to give good things to us, but our hands are too full to receive them. ~St. Augustine of Hippo
Oh, God, to know you is life. To serve You is freedom. To praise you is the soul’s joy and delight. Guard me with the power of Your grace here and in all places. Now and at all times, forever. Amen. ~St. Augustine of Hippo
I have read in Plato and Cicero sayings that are wise and very beautiful; but I have never read in either of them: Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden. ~St. Augustine of Hippo
Complete abstinence is easier than perfect moderation. ~St. Augustine of Hippo
People travel to wonder
at the height of the mountains,
at the huge waves of the seas,
at the long course of the rivers,
at the vast compass of the ocean,
at the circular motion of the stars,
and yet they pass by themselves
without wondering. ~St. Augustine of Hippo
To fall in love with God is the greatest romance; to seek him the greatest adventure; to find him, the greatest human achievement. ~St. Augustine of Hippo
Because God has made us for Himself, our hearts are restless until they rest in Him. ~St. Augustine of Hippo
Right is right even if no one is doing it; wrong is wrong even if everyone is doing it. ~St. Augustine of Hippo
Hope has two beautiful daughters; their names are Anger and Courage. Anger at the way things are, and Courage to see that they do not remain as they are. ~St. Augustine of Hippo
If two friends ask you to judge a dispute, don’t accept, because you will lose one friend; on the other hand, if two strangers come with the same request, accept because you will gain one friend. ~St. Augustine of Hippo
Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe. ~St. Augustine of Hippo
Patience is the companion of wisdom. ~St. Augustine of Hippo
Do you wish to rise? Begin by descending. You plan a tower that will pierce the clouds? Lay first the foundation of humility. ~St. Augustine of Hippo
The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page. ~St. Augustine of Hippo
In order to discover the character of people we have only to observe what they love. ~St. Augustine of Hippo
Love begins with a smile, grows with a kiss, and ends with a teardrop. ~St. Augustine of Hippo
God provides the wind, Man must raise the sail. ~St. Augustine of Hippo
Miracles are not contrary to nature but only contrary to what we know about nature. ~St. Augustine of Hippo
Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore, seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand. ~St. Augustine of Hippo
Since you cannot do good to all, you are to pay special attention to those who, by accidents of time, or place, or circumstance, are brought into closer connection with you. ~St. Augustine of Hippo
How can the past and future be, when the past no longer is, and the future is not yet? As for the present, if it were always present and never moved on to become the past, it would not be time, but eternity. ~St. Augustine of Hippo
Pray as though everything depends on God. And work as if everything depends on you. ~St. Augustine of Hippo
If you understood him, it would not be God. ~St. Augustine of Hippo
Unless you believe, you will not understand. ~St. Augustine of Hippo
Late have I loved you, beauty so old and so new: late have I loved you. And see, you were within and I was in the external world and sought you there, and in my unlovely state I plunged into those lovely created things which you made. You were with me, and I was not with you. The lovely things kept me far from you, though if they did not have their existence in you, they had no existence at all. You called and cried out loud and shattered my deafness. You were radiant and resplendent, you put to flight my blindness. You were fragrant, and I drew in my breath and now pant after you. I tasted you, and I feel but hunger and thirst for you. You touched me, and I am set on fire to attain the peace which is yours. ~St. Augustine of Hippo
Unlocking the Wisdom of St. Augustine: 25 Quotes to Inspire Your Life
St. Augustine of Hippo, a renowned Christian theologian and philosopher, left a profound legacy through his writings and teachings. His words continue to inspire and guide people across the world. In this article, we’ll explore 25 of St. Augustine’s most insightful quotes, each brimming with wisdom and offering valuable lessons for our lives.
The Truth: A Lion That Needs No Defense
“The truth is like a lion; you don’t have to defend it. Let it loose; it will defend itself.”
St. Augustine’s words remind us that truth has its own power. When we speak the truth, we need not engage in elaborate defenses because the authenticity of the truth shines through naturally.
Embracing the Gospel Wholeheartedly
“If you believe what you like in the Gospel, and reject what you don’t like, it is not the Gospel you believe, but yourself.”
St. Augustine challenges us to approach our beliefs with humility and authenticity. To truly follow a faith or philosophy, we must accept it in its entirety, embracing both its comforting and challenging aspects.
Saints and Sinners: A Universal Truth
“There is no saint without a past, no sinner without a future.”
This quote highlights the potential for redemption and transformation within every person. It encourages us not to judge others solely based on their past actions, as change and growth are possible for everyone.
The Value of Christ
“Christ is not valued at all, unless he is valued above all.”
St. Augustine emphasizes the central role of Christ in Christianity. To truly appreciate the teachings of Jesus, we must place Him above all other priorities in our lives.
Procrastination and Forgiveness
“God has promised forgiveness to your repentance, but He has not promised tomorrow to your procrastination.”
This quote serves as a reminder that we should not delay seeking forgiveness or making positive changes in our lives. The present moment is a gift, and we should use it wisely.
Love in Action
“What does love look like? It has the hands to help others. It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy. It has eyes to see misery and want. It has the ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of men. That is what love looks like.”
St. Augustine beautifully defines love as a selfless, compassionate, and active force. Love isn’t merely a feeling but a set of actions that demonstrate care and empathy for others.
Grasping God’s Gifts
“God is always trying to give good things to us, but our hands are too full to receive them.”
In this quote, St. Augustine reminds us that we must let go of worldly attachments and open ourselves to receive the blessings and goodness that God offers us.
The Power of Knowing God
“Oh, God, to know you is life. To serve You is freedom. To praise you is the soul’s joy and delight. Guard me with the power of Your grace here and in all places. Now and at all times, forever. Amen.”
This prayer encapsulates the profound sense of purpose and fulfillment that comes from knowing and serving God. It speaks to the transformative effect of a deep spiritual connection.
The Distinctiveness of Christianity
“I have read in Plato and Cicero sayings that are wise and very beautiful; but I have never read in either of them: Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden.”
St. Augustine highlights the unique invitation found in Christianity—the call to seek solace and rest in God’s embrace, a message that sets it apart from other philosophies.
Moderation and Abstinence
“Complete abstinence is easier than perfect moderation.”
St. Augustine’s witty observation underscores the challenges of practicing moderation in various aspects of life. Sometimes, it may be simpler to abstain completely rather than trying to balance in moderation.
The Neglected Wonder Within
“People travel to wonder at the height of the mountains, at the huge waves of the seas, at the long course of the rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motion of the stars, and yet they pass by themselves without wondering.”
St. Augustine draws attention to the incredible complexity and depth of the human experience. We often focus on external wonders but rarely explore the depths of our own souls.
A Divine Romance
“To fall in love with God is the greatest romance; to seek him the greatest adventure; to find him, the greatest human achievement.”
These words beautifully convey the profound journey of faith—a journey filled with passion, exploration, and the ultimate discovery of a deep and abiding relationship with the Divine.
The Restless Heart
“Because God has made us for Himself, our hearts are restless until they rest in Him.”
This quote encapsulates St. Augustine’s understanding of the human condition. We constantly seek fulfillment, and true peace can only be found in a connection with the Divine.
Unwavering Righteousness
“Right is right even if no one is doing it; wrong is wrong even if everyone is doing it.”
St. Augustine reminds us that ethical principles and moral standards are not subject to popular opinion. Righteousness remains constant, regardless of societal trends.
Hope’s Dynamic Duo
“Hope has two beautiful daughters; their names are Anger and Courage. Anger at the way things are, and Courage to see that they do not remain as they are.”
This quote emphasizes the power of hope in driving positive change. Anger can motivate us to confront injustice, while courage empowers us to transform the world for the better.
The Value of Friendship
“If two friends ask you to judge a dispute, don’t accept, because you will lose one friend; on the other hand, if two strangers come with the same request, accept because you will gain one friend.”
St. Augustine offers practical advice on conflict resolution, emphasizing the importance of preserving existing friendships whenever possible.
Faith’s Reward
“Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe.”
This quote underscores the profound relationship between faith and understanding. Belief in the unseen can lead to a deeper comprehension of the spiritual truths we hold dear.
Patience and Wisdom
“Patience is the companion of wisdom.”
St. Augustine recognizes the role of patience in acquiring wisdom. Impatience often leads to hasty decisions, while patience allows for thoughtful contemplation and discernment.
Building the Tower of Virtue
“Do you wish to rise? Begin by descending. You plan a tower that will pierce the clouds? Lay first the foundation of humility.”
St. Augustine extols the virtue of humility as the foundation upon which we can build our character and achieve great heights in our personal and spiritual growth.
The World as a Book
“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.”
This quote encourages us to explore the world and gain a deeper understanding of different cultures and perspectives. Travel broadens our horizons and enriches our lives.
Discovering Character Through Love
“In order to discover the character of people we have only to observe what they love.”
St. Augustine’s words remind us that our passions and affections reveal much about our true selves. What we love shapes our character and priorities.
The Phases of Love
“Love begins with a smile, grows with a kiss, and ends with a teardrop.”
This poignant quote traces the arc of love’s journey, from its joyful beginnings through its deepening connection to the bittersweet moments of parting.
Co-Creation with the Divine
“God provides the wind, Man must raise the sail.”
St. Augustine underscores the idea that we must collaborate with the divine forces in our lives. We have a role to play in shaping our destinies.
Miracles and Nature
“Miracles are not contrary to nature but only contrary to what we know about nature.”
St. Augustine’s perspective on miracles invites us to expand our understanding of the natural world and recognize the extraordinary within it.
Faith and Understanding
“Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore, seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand.”
This quote encourages us to approach faith with trust and openness. As we believe, we may gain a deeper understanding of the spiritual truths we hold dear.
The Special Bonds of Connection
“Since you cannot do good to all, you are to pay special attention to those who, by accidents of time, or place, or circumstance, are brought into closer connection with you.”
St. Augustine reminds us of our responsibility to help those in our immediate sphere of influence. While we may not be able to help everyone, we can make a significant impact on those we encounter regularly.
The Mystery of Time
“How can the past and future be, when the past no longer is, and the future is not yet? As for the present, if it were always present and never moved on to become the past, it would not be time, but eternity.”
St. Augustine delves into the philosophical concept of time, inviting us to ponder its fleeting nature and the profound significance of the present moment.
Prayer and Action
“Pray as though everything depends on God. And work as if everything depends on you.”
This quote beautifully combines the importance of faith and action. It encourages us to trust in divine guidance while taking responsible and diligent action in our endeavors.
The Incomprehensible Divine
“If you understood him, it would not be God.”
St. Augustine acknowledges the ineffable nature of the Divine. God is beyond complete human comprehension, and that’s what makes the Divine truly divine.
Faith’s Illuminating Power
“Unless you believe, you will not understand.”
In this quote, St. Augustine conveys the idea that faith is a key that unlocks deeper levels of understanding. Belief opens our minds to spiritual truths that may remain hidden otherwise.
The Belated Love Story
“Late have I loved you, beauty so old and so new: late have I loved you.”
In this introspective quote, St. Augustine expresses his personal journey of discovering profound love for God. It reminds us that it’s never too late to embark on a spiritual quest and deepen our connection with the Divine.
St. Augustine’s wisdom has endured through the centuries, touching the hearts and minds of countless individuals. His quotes provide us with valuable insights into faith, love, ethics, and the human experience. As we reflect on these timeless words, may we find inspiration to lead more meaningful and purposeful lives, guided by the enduring truths they contain.