Saint Augustine

Theologian, Philosopher

Saint Augustine was a theologian and philosopher whose works, particularly 'Confessions,' profoundly influenced Christian thought and Western philosophy.

Born
November 13, 0354
Died
August 28, 0430
Quotes
753
Rank
#694

About Saint Augustine

Saint Augustine — Life and Legacy

Saint Augustine, a pivotal figure in early Christianity, is renowned for his profound theological insights and philosophical contributions. His seminal work, 'Confessions,' serves as both an autobiography and a deep exploration of faith, illustrating his journey from a life of indulgence to one of spiritual enlightenment. Augustine's core thinking revolves around the interplay of faith and reason, famously asserting that 'faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe.' This encapsulates his belief that while reason can guide one towards faith, true understanding comes through divine revelation. Augustine challenged the prevailing philosophical norms of his time by emphasizing the importance of inner reflection and the human experience of sin and redemption. His assertion that 'the mind is the place where we find God' highlights his view that personal introspection is essential for spiritual growth. This perspective not only shaped Christian doctrine but also laid the groundwork for later philosophical inquiry into the nature of existence and morality. Today, Augustine's quotes and ideas continue to resonate, offering insights into the complexities of faith, the nature of truth, and the human condition. His work remains a cornerstone for those exploring the depths of spirituality and the philosophical underpinnings of belief.

Quote collection

Saint Augustine quotes (page 1 of 38)

753 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.

Saint Augustine Theologian, Philosopher
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"To fall in love with God is the greatest romance; to seek him the greatest adventure; to find him, the greatest human achievement."

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Saint Augustine Theologian, Philosopher
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"A Christian is: a mind through which Christ thinks, a heart through which Christ loves, a voice through which Christ speaks, and a hand through which Christ helps."

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Saint Augustine Theologian, Philosopher
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"Take care of your body as if you were going to live forever; and take care of your soul as if you were going to die tomorrow."

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Saint Augustine Theologian, Philosopher
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"The truth is like a lion; you don’t have to defend it. Let it loose; it will defend itself."

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Saint Augustine Theologian, Philosopher
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"Remember this. When people choose to withdraw far from a fire, the fire continues to give warmth, but they grow cold. When people choose to withdraw far from light, the light continues to be bright in itself but they are in darkness. This is also the case when people withdraw from God."

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Saint Augustine Theologian, Philosopher
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"Because God has made us for Himself, our hearts are restless until they rest in Him."

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Saint Augustine Theologian, Philosopher
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"Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe."

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Saint Augustine Theologian, Philosopher
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"If God seems slow in responding, it is because He is preparing a better gift. He will not deny us. God withholds what you are not yet ready for. He wants you to have a lively desire for His greatest gifts. All of which is to say, pray always and do not lose heart."

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Saint Augustine Theologian, Philosopher
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"Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you."

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Saint Augustine Theologian, Philosopher
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"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."

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Saint Augustine Theologian, Philosopher
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"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."

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Saint Augustine Theologian, Philosopher
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"There is no saint without a past, no sinner without a future."

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Saint Augustine Theologian, Philosopher
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"Love is a temporary madness. It erupts like an earthquake and then subsides. And when it subsides you have to make a decision. You have to work out whether your roots have become so entwined together that it is inconceivable that you should ever part. Because this is what love is. Love is not breathlessness, it is not excitement, it is not the promulgation of promises of eternal passion. That is just being in love which any of us can convince ourselves we are. Love itself is what is left over when being in love has burned away, and this is both an art and a fortunate accident."

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Saint Augustine Theologian, Philosopher
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"Learn to dance, so when you get to heaven the angels know what to do with you."

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Saint Augustine Theologian, Philosopher
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"There is no love without hope, no hope without love, and neither hope nor love without faith."

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Saint Augustine Theologian, Philosopher
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"Where your pleasure is, there is your treasure: where your treasure, there your heart; where your heart, there your happiness"

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Saint Augustine Theologian, Philosopher
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"God of our life, there are days when the burdens we carry chafe our shoulders and weigh us down; when the road seems dreary and endless, the skies gray and threatening; when our lives have no music in them, and our hearts are lonely, and our souls have lost their courage. Flood the path with light, run our eyes to where the skies are full of promise; tune our hearts to brave music; give us the sense of comradeship with heroes and saints of every age; and so quicken our spirits that we may be able to encourage the souls of all who journey with us on the road of life, to your honor and glory."

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Saint Augustine Theologian, Philosopher
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"Beware of despairing about yourself: you are commanded to put your trust in God, and not in yourself."

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