Philosophy of Mind Quote by Augustine of Hippo
““For no one believes anything unless he has first thought that it is to be believed. For however suddenly, however rapidly, some thoughts fly before the will to believe, and this presently follows in such wise as to attend them, as it were, in closest conjunction, it is yet necessary that everything which is believed should be believed after thought has preceded; although even belief itself is nothing else than to think with assent.””
About This Quote
Source Treatise: De Trinitate, 4th century
Belief must be preceded by rational thought; true belief arises from deliberate contemplation, not impulse.
In simple terms: Think before you believe.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate reflective thinking before accepting ideas.
Themes
faith
reason
belief
philosophy
thought
Mood
contemplative
inquisitive
serene
Type
theological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal decisions
- religious doctrine
- academic study
- public discourse
- media analysis
Key Concepts
theology
epistemology
critical thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- What beliefs are worth questioning?
- How does thought shape faith?
A Different Perspective
Rational deliberation can delay necessary action.
![“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)
