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I inquired what wickedness is, and I didn't find a…

“I inquired what wickedness is, and I didn't find a substance, but a perversity of will twisted away from the highest substance - You, O God - towards inferior things, rejecting its own inner life and swelling with external matters.” quote by Saint Augustine
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“I inquired what wickedness is, and I didn't find a substance, but a perversity of will twisted away from the highest substance - You, O God - towards inferior things, rejecting its own inner life and swelling with external matters.”

Saint Augustine

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Wickedness is not a material thing but a twisted will that turns away from the divine source toward lesser, external concerns.

In simple terms: Evil is a misdirected will.

Key Takeaway

Align will with higher purpose.

Themes

morality spirituality will divine human nature

Mood

contemplative serious

Type

theological philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal reflection
  • prayer
  • ethical decision making
  • overcoming temptation

Key Concepts

theology philosophy ethics

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does your will prioritize?
  • How can you redirect focus toward inner growth?
A Different Perspective

The concept assumes a clear hierarchy of values, which may be culturally relative.

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