Quotes about Reflection

Augustine is so wholly with me, that if I wished to write a confession of my faith, I could do so with all fullness and satisfaction to myself out of his writings.

Once we've concluded that this earthly life of ours is a gift of divine mercy—and grateful recollection of this is our obligation—then we rightly stoop to consider this life's miserable condition. And by such consideration we disentangle ourselves from excessive desire for this life, which— as has been said—is our natural inclination.

the elegant structure of the world serving us as a kind of mirror, in which we may behold God, though otherwise invisible.

For the one who has learned to regard God in everything he does is at the same time being drawn away from every vain thought.

The ancient proverb says, "Satiety   produces disgust

And, as Augustine expresses it (in Psalm cxliv.), since we are unable to comprehend Him, and are, as it were, overpowered by his greatness, our proper course is to contemplate his works, and

we cannot have a clear and complete knowledge of God unless it is accompanied by a corresponding knowledge of ourselves. This

We should forever keep in mind that we must not brood on the wickedness of man, but realize that he is God's image bearer.

when we are angered by the sins of   others, we should beware lest a temptation of an opposite kind should   take possession of our minds.

Those who see the nightly splendor of the moon are possessed by perverse ingratitude if they do not recognize the goodness of God.

Men are never duly touched and impressed with a conviction of their insignificance, until they have contrasted themselves with the majesty of God.

Without knowledge of self there is no knowledge of God. Nearly all the wisdom we possess, that is to say, true sound wisdom consists of two parts: the knowledge of God and of ourselves.