Happiness Quote by The Confessions St. Augustine of Hippo
““Your good spirit moved over the waters. But he was not upheld by them as though he rested upon them, for when he is said to rest upon a man, it is he who gives that man rest in himself. It was your incorruptible and immutable will, which is sufficient in itself and to itself, that moved over the life which you had created. To that life living and living in happiness are not one and the same, because it lives even in its state of fluidity and darkness. To gain happiness it must still be turned from that state towards God, its Creator. It must live ever closer to the Fountain of life. In his light it must see the light; in him it must be given perfection, splendor, and bliss.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Confessions by St. Augustine of Hippo, 400 AD
The passage reflects on the soul’s immutable will, its movement toward divine happiness, and the need to turn from darkness to God’s light.
In simple terms: The soul’s will seeks divine happiness, moving away from darkness.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate an immutable will focused on divine light.
Themes
spirituality
philosophy
theology
Mood
hopeful
contemplative
Type
religious
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal meditation
- theological study
- spiritual practice
- ethical living
Key Concepts
will
divine
light
happiness
fluidity
Questions to Reflect On
- What does an immutable will mean to you?
- How can one turn toward divine light?
A Different Perspective
Human will alone may not guarantee happiness without divine connection.
