Aquinas Quote by Flannery O'Connor
““I couldn't make any judgment on the Summa, except to say this: I read it for about twenty minutes every night before I go to bed. If my mother were to come in during this process and say, 'Turn off that light. It's late,' I with a lifted finger and broad bland beatific expression, would reply, 'On the contrary, I answer that the light, being eternal and limitless, cannot be turned off. Shut your eyes,' or some such thing.””
About This Quote
Source Short Story: “The Life You Save May Be Your Own” (1939) by Flannery O'Connor
The narrator treats reading a theological text as a nightly ritual, asserting its eternal presence despite external demands for rest.
In simple terms: Reading a spiritual work feels endless and unshuttable.
Key Takeaway
Embrace persistent contemplation.
Themes
faith
ritual
perseverance
inner conflict
Mood
contemplative
defiant
reflective
Type
aphilosophical
personal narrative
When to use this quote
- nighttime reading
- spiritual practice
- dealing with interruptions
- personal discipline
Key Concepts
theology
existentialism
habit formation
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance spiritual devotion with daily responsibilities?
- What limits, if any, should be placed on endless contemplation?
A Different Perspective
The claim of an infinite light may ignore practical needs for rest and health.
