Century Quote by Joan D. Chittister
“For centuries the church has confronted the human community with role models of greatness. We call them saints when what we really often mean to say is 'icon,' 'star,' 'hero,' ones so possessed by an internal vision of divine goodness that they give us a glimpse of the face of God in the center of the human. They give us a taste of the possibilities of greatness in ourselves.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Soul of the World, 2005
Saints serve as vivid examples of divine goodness, inspiring us to see greatness within ourselves.
In simple terms: Saints show us possible greatness.
Key Takeaway
Look to role models for inner inspiration.
Themes
spirituality
role models
inspiration
Mood
reflective
uplifting
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- personal growth
- leadership
- faith practice
- mentoring
Key Concepts
divine vision
human potential
Questions to Reflect On
- Who are everyday heroes in your life?
- How can we cultivate inner vision?
A Different Perspective
Idealizing saints may overlook ordinary people’s contributions.
![“[The Dalai Lama] told me some years ago, "I've made every concession to China, and I've been as open and tolerant as I could, and still things get worse in Tibet." If you look at it from one point of view, as he himself says, his monastic position of forbearance and nonviolence hasn't reaped any…” quote by Pico Iyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/9fe/pico-iyer-1252_benefits_the-dalai-lama-told-me-some-years-ago-i_678.jpg)
