Command Quote by Saint Augustine
“The mind commands the body, and it obeys forthwith; the mind commands itself, and is resisted. The mind commands the hand to be moved, and such readiness is there that the command is scarce to be distinguished from the obedience. Yet the mind is mind, and the hand is body. The mind commands the mind to will, and yet, though it be itself, it obeyeth not. Whence this monstrous thing? and why is it?”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: De Trinitate, Book 9, c. 400 AD
The mind can direct the body easily, but directing oneself is difficult, revealing a paradox of self‑control.
In simple terms: The mind easily controls the body but struggles to control itself.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the challenge of self‑discipline.
Themes
self‑control
mind‑body
paradox
spirituality
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
spiritual
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal growth
- habit formation
- spiritual practice
- mental health
- leadership
Key Concepts
will
resistance
identity
autonomy
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you create external cues to aid self‑discipline?
- What internal conflicts hinder your will?
A Different Perspective
Self‑control also requires external structures and support, not just willpower.
![“Geometry, which should only obey Physics, when united with it sometimes commands it. If it happens that the question which we wish to examine is too complicated for all the elements to be able to enter into the analytical comparison we wish to make, we separate the more inconvenient [elements], we…” quote by Jean le Rond d'Alembert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0d9/jean-le-rond-d-alembert-26487_able_geometry-which-should-only-obey-physics_6945.jpg)
