Antiquity Quote by Vincent of Lerins
“Avoid the profane novelty of words, St. Paul says (I Timothy 6:20) ... For if novelty is to be avoided, antiquity is to be held tight to; and if novelty is profane, antiquity is sacred.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: Commonitorium, 417 AD (cited in St. Paul’s letters)
He advises preserving ancient wisdom and rejecting frivolous novelty, valuing timeless truth over trendy ideas.
In simple terms: Hold fast to timeless truth, avoid shallow novelty.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize enduring wisdom.
Themes
tradition
novelty
spirituality
truth
cultural continuity
Mood
cautious
respectful
contemplative
Type
theological
cultural
philosophical
When to use this quote
- religious practice
- educational curricula
- artistic creation
- social norms
Key Concepts
theology
philosophy
cultural heritage
conservatism
Questions to Reflect On
- When should tradition yield to new insights?
- How do you discern valuable novelty?
A Different Perspective
Rigid adherence may stifle necessary innovation.
