There is no affliction, trial, or labor difficult to endure, when we consider the torments and sufferings which Our Lord Jesus Christ endured for us.
Teresa Of AvilaRead
It is no small misfortune and disgrace that, through our own fault, we neither understand our nature nor our origin.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and understanding our roots.
Teresa of Avila suggests that a significant misfortune in life stems from our failure to recognize and comprehend who we truly are and where we come from. This lack of understanding not only leads to personal shortcomings but also reflects a broader human condition where ignorance about our nature and origins can result in disgrace.
Themes
Self-AwarenessUnderstandingNatureOriginHuman Condition
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about personal growth, one might use this quote to highlight the importance of self-reflection.
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What friends or kindred can be so close and intimate as the powers of our soul, which, whether we will or no, must ever bear us company?
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To converse with You, O King of glory, no third person is needed, You are always ready in the Sacrament of the Altar to give audience to all. All who desire You always find You there, and converse with You face to face
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If we do not use great care to mortify our will, there are many things which can deprives us of the holy freedom of spirit that we are seeking in order to fly more freely to our Creator, without always being bogged down with the clay of this earth. Moreover, there can never be solid virtue in a soul that is attached to its own will.
Teresa Of AvilaRead
I say the same of humility and of all the virtues; the wiles of the devil are terrible, he will run a thousand times round hell if by so doing he can make us believe that we have a single virtue which we have not. And he is right, for such ideas are very harmful, and such imaginary virtues, when they come from this source, are never unaccompanied by vainglory; just as those which God gives are free both from this and from pride.
Teresa Of AvilaRead
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