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You are a man, not God; you are human, not an angel. How…

“You are a man, not God; you are human, not an angel. How can you expect to remain always in a constant state of virtue, when this was not possible even for an angel of Heaven, nor for the first man in the Garden?” quote by Thomas a Kempis
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“You are a man, not God; you are human, not an angel. How can you expect to remain always in a constant state of virtue, when this was not possible even for an angel of Heaven, nor for the first man in the Garden?”

Thomas a Kempis

About This Quote

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

Human beings are imperfect and cannot achieve constant virtue, unlike divine beings.

In simple terms: People can’t be perfectly virtuous all the time.

Key Takeaway

Accept human limits and aim for progress.

Themes

humility imperfection virtue

Mood

reflective humble

Type

spiritual ethical

When to use this quote

  • daily life
  • personal growth
  • leadership
  • spiritual practice

Key Concepts

theology ethics

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you practice virtue despite flaws?
  • What realistic standards guide your moral choices?
A Different Perspective

Expecting flawless virtue is unrealistic.

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