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matters. Do you think, my daughters, that it is an easy…

“matters. Do you think, my daughters, that it is an easy matter to have to do business with the world, to live in the world, to engage in the affairs of the world, and, as I have said, to live as worldly men do, and yet inwardly to be strangers to the world, and enemies of the world, like persons…” quote by Teresa of Ávila
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““matters. Do you think, my daughters, that it is an easy matter to have to do business with the world, to live in the world, to engage in the affairs of the world, and, as I have said, to live as worldly men do, and yet inwardly to be strangers to the world, and enemies of the world, like persons who are in exile -- to be, in short, not men but angels?””

Teresa of Ávila

About This Quote

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

She describes the paradox of living in worldly society while feeling spiritually alienated, likening it to being an angel among mortals.

In simple terms: Living in the world yet feeling like an outsider.

Key Takeaway

Embrace spiritual integrity despite worldly pressures.

Themes

spirituality alienation societal roles

Mood

contemplative conflicted

Type

philosophical spiritual

When to use this quote

  • religious vocation
  • daily work
  • social engagement
  • personal reflection

Key Concepts

existential paradox inner vs outer self

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you balance worldly duties with inner convictions?
  • What does being an “angel” mean in modern life?
A Different Perspective

Spiritual alienation can hinder practical effectiveness.

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