Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD), also known as Saint Augustine, was a theologian, philosopher, and one of the most influential figures in the development of Western Christianity and philosophy. His writings, particularly Confessions and The City of God, have shaped Christian doctrine, Western thought, and the philosophy of religion for over a millennium. Augustine’s exploration of topics like free will, the nature of God, and the relationship between faith and reason has had a lasting impact on theology and philosophy. His deep spiritual insight and rigorous intellectual approach to questions about the nature of existence, sin, salvation, and the human condition make his work a rich source of wisdom.
Below are 25 of the most profound and impactful quotes from Augustine, exploring his thoughts on life, faith, reason, and the divine.
1. “You have made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.”
This famous quote from Confessions encapsulates one of Augustine’s core philosophical and theological insights: the human soul’s inherent longing for God. Augustine argues that the restless yearning of the human heart can only be satisfied by finding rest in God. It reflects his deep Christian belief that human beings are created to be in relationship with the divine and that true peace can only be found through God.
2. “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.”
In this quote, Augustine uses the metaphor of a book to suggest that the world is full of experiences, wisdom, and knowledge waiting to be discovered. Just as a book offers more than one page, life offers more than one experience. The quote encourages exploration, open-mindedness, and the pursuit of understanding, not only of oneself but also of the world around us.
3. “God loves each of us as if there were only one of us.”
Augustine emphasizes the deep and personal nature of God’s love. This quote suggests that God’s love is not a general or impersonal force but something intensely individual. It reflects Augustine’s belief in the intimacy of God’s relationship with each person, emphasizing that each human being is loved uniquely and completely by the divine.
4. “Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe.”
Here, Augustine discusses the nature of faith, equating it with belief in the unseen and the unseen’s eventual revelation. Faith, according to Augustine, is not based on visible evidence but on trust in God and divine truths. However, the reward of faith is that it opens the believer’s eyes to a deeper understanding of the reality they have trusted in. This idea underlines the transformative power of faith and its role in guiding one to spiritual insight.
5. “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity.”
This quote highlights Augustine’s view on the balance between unity and diversity within the Christian community. While he believed that unity is essential in core matters of faith, such as the nature of God and salvation, he also emphasized the importance of liberty in secondary issues. Above all, Augustine stresses charity—love, kindness, and compassion—as the overarching principle that should guide Christian interactions, regardless of differing views on non-essential matters.
6. “Love is the beauty of the soul.”
For Augustine, love is central to the human experience. This quote reflects his belief that love is the highest and most beautiful expression of the human soul. Love, particularly divine love, transforms and elevates the soul. Augustine’s theology holds that love is the greatest commandment and the ultimate purpose of human life.
7. “The thought of You stirs a man so deeply that he cannot be content unless he praises You.”
This quote from Confessions captures the overwhelming experience of divine presence that Augustine believed awakened a deep, existential longing within the human heart. For Augustine, true happiness and peace are found in the worship and praise of God, who stirs the human soul to its deepest core.
8. “Grant what You command and command what You will.”
This prayer of Augustine highlights his understanding of God’s sovereignty and grace. Augustine acknowledges that God commands righteousness, but also recognizes that human beings, in their fallen state, cannot accomplish these commands without divine assistance. It is a prayer of humility, acknowledging that the ability to fulfill God’s will depends entirely on God’s grace.
9. “I am not a lover of worldly things, but I have been made to love what is good.”
This quote reflects Augustine’s view on the fallen human condition and the need for redemption. He speaks about the transformation that occurs when one turns from the pursuit of worldly pleasures to the pursuit of eternal truth and goodness. Augustine sees the human heart as being made for the good, but often misdirected by the temptations of the world. Conversion, for Augustine, involves realigning one’s desires with the divine.
10. “He who sings, prays twice.”
In this famous quote, Augustine emphasizes the power of song and music in worship. Singing, as an expression of the soul’s longing for God, amplifies the act of prayer, making it a deeper form of communion with the divine. Augustine believes that music engages both the mind and the emotions, thus making the prayer more profound and heartfelt.
11. “Do you wish to be great? Then begin by being. Do you wish to be rich? Then begin by being. Do you wish to be a leader? Then begin by being.”
This quote underscores Augustine’s belief that greatness is not about external achievements, but about cultivating inner virtue. He encourages people to focus on being the person they aspire to be, rather than merely seeking external success or wealth. The true path to greatness lies in developing a noble character, guided by love, humility, and wisdom.
12. “The truth is like a lion; you don’t have to defend it. Let it loose, and it will defend itself.”
Augustine often spoke about the nature of truth, and here he likens it to a lion that needs no defense or protection. Truth, in Augustine’s view, has an inherent power and force. When it is proclaimed and allowed to be seen in its purity, it speaks for itself and needs no human defense. This reflects Augustine’s faith in the self-evident power of divine truth.
13. “Our hearts are restless until they rest in You.”
This is one of the most famous quotes from Confessions and speaks to the central theme of Augustine’s spiritual journey. Augustine describes his soul’s search for peace, which can only be found in God. His restless heart, shaped by the longing for fulfillment, only finds rest when it aligns with God’s will and enters into a relationship with Him.
14. “I do not understand how it is that you take your stand upon something you do not understand.”
This quote shows Augustine’s skepticism about human pride and arrogance in matters of knowledge. He points out that often, people assert beliefs or positions about things they do not truly understand. Augustine calls for intellectual humility and the recognition that true knowledge, particularly spiritual knowledge, comes from God and not from human reason alone.
15. “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.”
This quote speaks to Augustine’s reflection on inner peace and contentment. Whether in times of abundance or scarcity, he learned to find peace in the present moment and trust in God’s providence. Augustine’s spiritual journey led him to embrace contentment as a form of grace, recognizing that true satisfaction comes not from external circumstances but from a relationship with God.
16. “What is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
This insight emphasizes Augustine’s belief in the transient nature of the material world and the eternal nature of the spiritual realm. The physical world is temporary and subject to change, but the divine and eternal truths of God remain unchanged. This perspective encourages believers to focus on eternal matters, such as their relationship with God, rather than being consumed by worldly desires.
17. “To fall in love with God is the noblest of all loves.”
For Augustine, love is the greatest of all virtues, and the love of God is the highest expression of love. It surpasses all other forms of love, whether for a spouse, friend, or family member. This love for God shapes the believer’s life and directs all actions toward the good. Augustine teaches that true fulfillment comes from loving God above all else.
18. “There is no saint without a past, no sinner without a future.”
This quote reflects Augustine’s profound understanding of redemption and transformation. He himself experienced a dramatic conversion, moving from a life of sin to one of faith. Augustine teaches that no matter the depths of one’s past, grace and the possibility of redemption are always available. He emphasizes that everyone has the opportunity for a renewed future through God’s grace.
19. “The way to humility is through the grace of God.”
Augustine stresses that humility is not something humans can achieve through their own effort; it is a gift from God. Humility, in Augustine’s view, is recognizing one’s dependence on God and acknowledging one’s limitations. It is not about self-deprecation, but about aligning one’s heart with God’s will.
20. “Charity is no substitute for justice withheld.”
This quote emphasizes Augustine’s understanding of the relationship between justice and charity. While charity—love for others—is essential, it does not replace the need for justice. Justice must be pursued, especially in terms of fairness and right action. Charity complements justice, but it does not negate the necessity for it in society.
21. “To understand is to love.”
Augustine connects love and understanding in this profound statement. To truly understand something—whether it is God, another person, or the world—is to love it deeply. Augustine believes that love is an essential component of all true knowledge. Only when we love do we truly appreciate and grasp the essence of what we seek to understand. This idea aligns with Augustine’s belief in the transformative power of love, which brings clarity, depth, and insight to our perception of reality.
22. “It was pride that changed angels into devils; it is humility that makes men as angels.”
Augustine underscores the destructive nature of pride and the redemptive power of humility in this thought-provoking quote. For Augustine, pride represents the ultimate sin that leads to separation from God, as exemplified by the fall of Lucifer. Conversely, humility—the recognition of one’s dependence on God—leads to grace, transformation, and alignment with divine will, elevating the human soul toward God.
23. “Forgiveness is the remission of sins. For it is by this that what has been lost, and was found, is saved from being lost again.”
Forgiveness lies at the heart of Augustine’s theology, particularly in his understanding of God’s relationship with humanity. He teaches that forgiveness is an act of grace that restores what was once broken or lost. For Augustine, forgiving others mirrors God’s forgiveness toward us, and it becomes a means of preserving our own spiritual wholeness and healing.
24. “The punishment of every disordered mind is its own disorder.”
This profound insight addresses the consequences of sin and moral failure. Augustine teaches that sin creates inner chaos and suffering, which serve as their own punishment. This disorder stems from the soul’s misalignment with God’s will and results in unrest and dissatisfaction. For Augustine, the path to peace involves restoring order through faith, repentance, and divine grace.
25. “Right is right even if no one is doing it; wrong is wrong even if everyone is doing it.”
This timeless quote highlights Augustine’s commitment to objective moral truth. He rejects the idea that morality is relative or determined by societal consensus. Instead, Augustine asserts that righteousness is grounded in God’s eternal law, which remains true regardless of human behavior or popular opinion. This quote calls for moral integrity and courage, urging individuals to stand firm in their convictions.
Conclusion
Augustine of Hippo’s life and writings offer profound reflections on faith, human nature, and the pursuit of truth. His 25 quotes reveal his philosophical and theological depth, addressing timeless questions about love, humility, sin, forgiveness, and the nature of God. Augustine’s work is rooted in his own journey of conversion, which transformed him from a seeker of worldly pleasures into one of Christianity’s greatest thinkers.
Through his emphasis on God’s grace, the power of love, and the importance of humility, Augustine provides a roadmap for spiritual growth and understanding. His insights continue to inspire believers and thinkers alike, offering wisdom that transcends the ages. These quotes are not just statements of profound thought but also invitations to reflect on the deepest aspects of human existence and our relationship with the divine. Augustine’s enduring legacy reminds us that the restless heart finds peace only in God, and that in seeking truth, we discover both ourselves and the eternal.