Be careful Quote by Saint Augustine
“Of this I am certain, that no one has ever died who was not destined to die some time. Now the end of life puts the longest life on a par with the shortest. . . . And of what consequence is it what kind of death puts an end to life, since he who has died once is not forced to go through the same ordeal a second time? They, then, who are destined to die, need not be careful to inquire what death they are to die, but into what place death will usher them.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: City of God, Book 11, 426 AD
All humans are destined to die; the focus should be on the afterlife destination, not the manner of death.
In simple terms: Everyone will die; what matters is where they go after.
Consider the afterlife, not death’s details.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- contemplating mortality
- seeking meaning
- preparing for afterlife
- ethical decision making
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What does your belief say about the afterlife?
- How does focusing on destination affect daily choices?
It may overlook diverse beliefs about death and afterlife.