Love Quote by St. Augustine
““What madness, to love a man as something more than human! I lived in a fever, convulsed with tears and sighs that allowed me neither rest nor peace of mind. My soul was a burden, bruised and bleeding. It was tired of the man who carried it, but I found no place to set it down to rest. Neither the charm of the countryside nor the sweet scents of a garden could soothe it. It found no peace in song or laughter, none in the company of friends at table or in the pleasures of love, none even in books or poetry. Everything that was not what my friend had been was dull and distasteful. I had heart only for sighs and tears, for in them alone I found some shred of consolation.””
About This Quote
Source Sermon: Confessions, Book 7, 5th century
The speaker describes love as an overwhelming, irrational force that consumes the soul, leaving no comfort in any external pleasure or art.
In simple terms: Love can dominate and exhaust the heart, making all else feel empty.
Key Takeaway
Recognize when love becomes self‑destructive and seek balance.
Themes
love
despair
spiritual turmoil
human frailty
obsession
Mood
melancholic
introspective
poignant
Type
literary
philosophical
emotional
When to use this quote
- relationship crisis
- grief
- creative block
- spiritual seeking
- mental health
Key Concepts
existential angst
romantic idealism
psychological suffering
Questions to Reflect On
- What does love mean when it feels like a burden?
- How can one find peace when love feels overwhelming?
A Different Perspective
Love can blind and imprison, preventing healing and growth.
