St. Bernard, with the sharpness of his wit and zeal, has…
““St. Bernard, with the sharpness of his wit and zeal, has stigmatized the vices of the rebellious people. "Who is ignorant," says the monk of Clairvaux, "of the vanity and arrogance of the Romans? a nation nursed in sedition, untractable, and scorning to obey, unless they are too feeble to resist. When they promise to serve, they aspire to reign; if they swear allegiance, they watch the opportunity of revolt; yet they vent their discontent in loud clamors, if your doors, or your counsels, are shut against them. Dexterous in mischief, they have never learned the science of doing good. Odious to earth and heaven, impious to God, seditious among themselves, jealous of their neighbors, inhuman to strangers, they love no one, by no one are they beloved; and while they wish to inspire fear, they live in base and continual apprehension. They will not submit; they know not how to govern faithless to their superiors, intolerable to their equals, ungrateful to their benefactors, and alike impudent in their demands and their refusals. Lofty in promise, poor in execution; adulation and calumny, perfidy and treason, are the familiar arts of their policy””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A scathing critique of Roman society’s moral decay and rebellious nature, highlighting their vanity, disobedience, and inability to act virtuously.
In simple terms: Romans are portrayed as arrogant, disobedient, and morally corrupt.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and avoid the pitfalls of pride and rebellion.
Themes
morality
politics
societal decay
leadership
rebellion
Mood
critical
reflective
serious
Type
historical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political analysis
- historical study
- ethical reflection
- leadership training
- social criticism
Key Concepts
vanity
arrogance
sedition
discontent
imposture
Questions to Reflect On
- What modern societies exhibit similar traits?
- How can leaders foster humility and cooperation?
A Different Perspective
The description may overgeneralize and ignore positive aspects of Roman culture.