Life Quote by Augustine of Hippo
““After saying all that, what have we said, my God, my life, my holy sweetness? What does anyone who speaks of you really say? Yet woe betide those who fail to speak, while the chatterboxes go on saying nothing.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Confessions, Augustine of Hippo, c. 397 AD
The quote questions the emptiness of empty words and the importance of sincere, meaningful speech about the divine and life.
In simple terms: Words without depth are hollow; speak truly.
Key Takeaway
Seek authentic expression over idle talk.
Themes
faith
communication
authenticity
Mood
contemplative
serious
Type
spiritual
philosophical
When to use this quote
- prayer
- personal reflection
- public speaking
- teaching
Key Concepts
theology
existential reflection
Questions to Reflect On
- What truth do you fear to express?
- How can silence be more harmful than speech?
A Different Perspective
Even sincere speech can be misunderstood or ignored.
![“[John] watched the flames for a while. "I would have to say that I find God in serving His children. 'When I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me to drink, I was a stanger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, sick and you cared for me, imprisoned and you came to me.'"…” quote by Mary Doria Russell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a0f/mary-doria-russell-3319_break-your-heart_john-watched-the-flames-for-a-while-i-wo_172417.jpg)
![“Time takes no holiday. It does not roll idly by, but through our senses works its own wonders in the mind. Time came and went from one day to the next; in its coming and its passing it brought me other hopes and other memories. [quoted in Peter Brown, Augustine of Hippo, p. 54]” quote by Augustine of Hippo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7c2/augustine-of-hippo-2589_change_time-takes-no-holiday-it-does-not-roll-i_22609.jpg)
