"Beauty kindles love, and only the one who remains captivated by it, only the one who is intoxicated by it, only the one who remains a lover while he is investigating its essence, can hope to penetrate its essence."
About Dietrich von Hildebrand
Dietrich von Hildebrand — Life and Legacy
Dietrich von Hildebrand was a significant 20th-century philosopher whose work focused on the nature of love and truth. His influential book, 'The Heart,' articulates a profound understanding of love as a fundamental aspect of human existence. Hildebrand's philosophy asserts that love is not merely an emotion but a moral imperative that shapes our relationships and our understanding of truth. He famously stated, 'Love is the highest good,' which encapsulates his belief that love is the ultimate purpose of life, guiding our actions and decisions. This perspective challenges the notion that love is secondary to reason or duty, positioning it instead as a driving force in moral philosophy. His insights remain relevant today, as they invite readers to reflect on the depth of their emotional connections and the ethical implications of their choices.
Quote collection
Dietrich von Hildebrand quotes
8 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"The way to attain the virtue of mercy lies in our constant awareness of being encompassed by mercy."
"The great mystery of our metaphysical situation, that God is nearer to us than we are ourselves, is manifest in the fact that we cannot even be wholly ourselves—in the sense of individuality as a unique divine thought—until we are reborn in Christ."
"There are really no serious arguments for communion in the hand. But there are the most gravely serious kinds of arguments against it."
"Purity perceives and respects the character of sex-its depth, seriousness, intimacy, and true home within wedded love, which alone makes possible the total and mutual gift of self."
"Better to be a beggar in freedom than to be forced into compromises against my conscience."
"One saintly priest attracts more souls to Christ...than do those who lack the imprint of their sacred office"
"Sex is essentially deep. We become what we do with our bodies, and there is no deeper act than sex."