Compassion Quote by Augustine of Hippo
““There could be nothing more fortunate for human affairs than that by the mercy of God they who are endowed with true piety of life if they have the skill for ruling people should also have the power.””
About This Quote
Source Treat: Confessions by Augustine of Hippo, 397 AD
True piety includes the ability to govern wisely; divine mercy grants capable, virtuous leaders power over others.
In simple terms: Pious people should be wise rulers.
Key Takeaway
Seek moral competence before authority.
Themes
leadership
morality
divine mercy
politics
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
philosophical
theological
When to use this quote
- government
- religious leadership
- community decision making
Key Concepts
theology
political philosophy
virtue ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- What qualities must a ruler possess beyond piety?
- How does divine mercy influence political authority?
A Different Perspective
Power without virtue can corrupt; mercy alone does not guarantee wisdom.
![“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)
