Idolatry Quote by St. Augustine of Hippo
““I inquired what wickedness is, and I didn't find a substance, but a perversity of will twisted away from the highest substance – You oh God – towards inferior things, rejecting its own inner life and swelling with external matter.””
About This Quote
Source Sermon: On the Nature of Wickedness, St. Augustine, 5th century
Wickedness is a twisted will that turns away from divine goodness toward material excess, rejecting inner life.
In simple terms: Wickedness is a will turned from goodness.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate inner virtue.
Themes
morality
will
spirituality
Mood
solemn
hopeful
Type
theological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal meditation
- ethical decision making
- spiritual counseling
- artistic expression
Key Concepts
vice
materialism
inner conflict
Questions to Reflect On
- What inner desires conflict with higher values?
- How can one redirect will toward goodness?
A Different Perspective
Human nature can resist change, making transformation difficult.
