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Late have I loved you, O beauty ever ancient, ever new…

“Late have I loved you, O beauty ever ancient, ever new. Late have I loved you. You have called to me, and have called out, and have shattered my deafness. You have blazed forth with light and have put my blindness to flight! You have sent forth fragrance, and I have drawn in my breath, and I pant…” quote by Saint Augustine
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“Late have I loved you, O beauty ever ancient, ever new. Late have I loved you. You have called to me, and have called out, and have shattered my deafness. You have blazed forth with light and have put my blindness to flight! You have sent forth fragrance, and I have drawn in my breath, and I pant after you. I have tasted you, and I hunger and thirst after you. You have touched me, and I have burned for your peace.”

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.

The poet expresses a timeless, passionate love that awakens the soul, transforms perception, and fuels an insatiable yearning for the beloved.

In simple terms: Love awakens and drives desire.

Key Takeaway

Embrace transformative love.

Themes

love spiritual yearning beauty

Mood

reverent poetic

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • religious contemplation
  • artistic inspiration
  • personal reflection

Key Concepts

transcendence passion awakening

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does love change one’s view of the world?
  • Can love be both spiritual and physical?
A Different Perspective

Intense devotion may overlook practical realities.

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