13 quotes on contemplation
[Contemplation" lang=en] is a subject that has always interested thinkers, theologians and saints. Here are a few quotes on contemplation from philosophers (such as Blaise Pascal), mystics (such as saint John of the Cross), saints and theologians such as saint John of the Cross. ologians such as saint Thomas Aquinas who can shed light on the importance of contemplative practice in the daily life of every human being.
Four quotes from philosophers on contemplation
"Contemplation is the language of the soul, a silent conversation with the universe and with God" - Plotinus
"Contemplation is a breathing of the soul. It is a kind of silent admiration that fills the soul with wonder and happiness." - Blaise Pascal
"Contemplation is the highest degree of intellectual activity" - Aristotle
"Contemplation is a loving gaze fixed on reality" - Simone Weil
Five quotes from theologians who invite us to contemplate
"In contemplation, the soul discovers its own mirror, where it sees everything it seeks: truth, beauty and wholeness." - Thomas Merton
"Contemplation is like an inexhaustible spring of fresh water for the thirsty soul, food for the hungry spirit." - Jean-Pierre de Caussade
"Contemplation is necessary in the life of every Christian so that his actions reflect his love of God" - Eglise Catholique de France
"Contemplation of that absolute perfection, that divine fullness which is the Trinity, lifts the human soul above the changing and troubled being, while at the same time making it possible for the human being to live in the fullnessof God.being, while giving it that stability in the midst of passions, that serenity which is the beginning of deification." Vladimir Lossky, Orthodox theologian
"There are marks for knowing when God is calling to this contemplative prayer; here are three, drawn from the experience of the saints:
- The first is if we can no longer meditate or act with the imagination, and if we undertake it, it is not with taste as before, but with much aridity and labor.
- The second, if our mind has no affection or inclination to consider created and particular objects.
- The third, if our mind takes pleasure in being alone and at rest with a loving attention to God, without any other particular reflection, reasoning or other exercise than the general and loving view of God." - Jean-Jérôme Baiole
Four quotes from saints who teach us about the contemplative life
"The glory of God is the living man, and the life of man is the vision of God " - Saint Irenaeus
"In the first degree, the soul recollects itself and returns to itself; in the second, it sees itself as it then is in this state of recollection ; in the third, it rises above itself, and, applying itself to the contemplation of its invisible Author, submits to him." - saint Gregory the Great
"Contemplation is the highest degree of intellectual activity. Only then can the human mind attain perfect certainty" - St. Thomas Aquinas
"By meditating ceaselessly on eternity, the soul is transformed into a divine thing, for there is no nobler science, no more useful occupation than this." - Saint John of the Cross
