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I too have sworn heedlessly and all the time, I have had…

“I too have sworn heedlessly and all the time, I have had this most repulsive and death-dealing habit. I'm telling your graces; from the moment I began to serve God , and saw what evil there is in forswearing oneself, I grew very afraid indeed, and out of fear I applied the brakes to this old, old…” quote by Saint Augustine
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“I too have sworn heedlessly and all the time, I have had this most repulsive and death-dealing habit. I'm telling your graces; from the moment I began to serve God , and saw what evil there is in forswearing oneself, I grew very afraid indeed, and out of fear I applied the brakes to this old, old, habit.”

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.

He confesses a lifelong habit of swearing, describing his fear of moral corruption and his effort to restrain it through spiritual vigilance.

In simple terms: He struggles with a bad habit, fearing its moral impact.

Key Takeaway

Practice self‑control and seek spiritual guidance.

Themes

morality self‑discipline spirituality

Mood

reflective serious

Type

philosophical religious

When to use this quote

  • personal prayer
  • confession
  • daily reflection
  • teaching
  • counseling

Key Concepts

habit formation fear redemption

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you confront ingrained habits?
  • What role does faith play in your self‑control?
A Different Perspective

Habit change can be difficult without support.

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