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In order to discover the character of people we have only to observe what they love.
Saint Augustine
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The true nature of individuals is revealed by their passions and affections.

Saint Augustine's quote emphasizes that understanding a person's character can be achieved by observing their loves and what they hold dear. The things that individuals are most passionate about reveal their values, priorities, and ultimately their true selves.

Themes

CharacterLoveValuesPassionObservation

In practice

Example use cases

In a leadership workshop discussing team values, one might quote Augustine to illustrate the importance of understanding team members' passions.

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Who can map out the various forces at play in one soul? Man is a great depth, O Lord. The hairs of his head are easier by far to count than his feeling, the movements of his heart.
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Everyone who observes himself doubting observes a truth, and about that which he observes he is certain; therefore he is certain about a truth. Everyone therefore who doubts whether truth exists has in himself a truth on which not to doubt.... Hence one who can doubt at all ought not to doubt the existence of truth.
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