Catholic Quote by Georges Bernanos
““Satan is too hard a master. He would never command as did the Other with divine simplicity: 'Do likewise.' The devil will have no victims resemble him. He permits only a rough caricature, impotent, abject, which has to serve as food for eternal irony, the mordant irony of the depths.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: 'The Diary of a Country Priest' by Georges Bernanos, 1936
The devil is a weak master, unable to command with the pure simplicity of divine authority, resulting in only a feeble, mockingly tragic figure.
In simple terms: The devil is a powerless imitator of divine will.
Key Takeaway
Recognize true power lies beyond mere imitation.
Themes
power
divinity
irony
authority
evil
Mood
thoughtful
serious
introspective
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- spiritual contemplation
- ethical analysis
Key Concepts
theology
existentialism
literary critique
Questions to Reflect On
- How does recognizing the devil's limitations affect moral choices?
- Can true authority be distinguished from mere imitation?
A Different Perspective
The devil's influence is limited and ultimately self‑defeating.
![“Satan is a "roaring lion, [who] walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." And he will devour us unless we "put on the whole armour [or power] of God, that we may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." (See 1 Peter 5 and Ephesians 6)” quote by Sheri L. Dew](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/3d1/sheri-l-dew-3826_able_satan-is-a-roaring-lion-who-walketh-abou_752842.jpg)
![“The young man [Turgot] destined for an ecclesiastical career was placed within walls carefully designed to keep out all currents of new thought; his studies, his reading, his professors, his associates, all were combined to keep from him any results of observation or reflection save those…” quote by Andrew Dickson White](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5d4/andrew-dickson-white-24254_associates_the-young-man-turgot-destined-for-an-ecc_3146.jpg)
![“Girded with faith and the performance of good works, let us follow in his [Jesus] paths by the guidance of the Gospel.” quote by Benedict of Nursia](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a2f/benedict-of-nursia-29376_catholic_girded-with-faith-and-the-performance-of_6463.jpg)
