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Angelic Quote by Dante Alighieri

“O you proud Christians, wretched souls and small,/ Who by the dim lights of your twisted minds/ Believe you prosper even as you fall,/ Can you not see that we are worms, each one/ Born to become the angelic butterfly/ That flies defenseless to the Judgement Throne?” quote by Dante Alighieri
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“O you proud Christians, wretched souls and small,/ Who by the dim lights of your twisted minds/ Believe you prosper even as you fall,/ Can you not see that we are worms, each one/ Born to become the angelic butterfly/ That flies defenseless to the Judgement Throne?”

Dante Alighieri

About This Quote

Source Poem: Divine Comedy, Inferno, Canto III, 14th century

The passage likens human pride and self‑deception to worms destined to become vulnerable angels judged by a higher power.

In simple terms: Pride blinds us, leading to judgment.

Key Takeaway

Recognize humility before judgment.

Themes

pride humility judgment spirituality

Mood

somber reflective

Type

poetic theological philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal reflection
  • religious discourse
  • ethical decision making

Key Concepts

theology metaphor existentialism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does humility change your actions?
  • What does “angelic butterfly” symbolize?
A Different Perspective

Humans may resist seeing their own flaws.

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