Men go forth to marvel at the height of mountains, and the huge waves of the sea, the broad flow of the rivers, the vastness of the ocean, the orbits of the stars, and yet they neglect to marvel at themselves. Variant: Men go abroad to admire the heights of mountains, the mighty billows of the sea, the broad tides of rivers, the compass of the ocean, and the circuits of the stars, and pass themselves by.
Saint AugustineI had a clear idea about what time is till I was asked to explain it and ceased to understand it altogether as soon as I began explaining it.
Saint AugustineWhat matters it to me if someone does not understand this? Let him too rejoice and say, โWhat is this?โ Let him rejoice even at this, and let him love to find you while not finding it out, rather than, while finding it out, not to find you.
Saint AugustineDivine Scripture is wont to frame, as it were, allurements for children from the things which are found in the creature; whereby, according to their measure, and as it were by steps, the affections of the weak may be moved to seek those things that are above, and to leave those things that are below. But the same Scripture rarely employs those things which are spoken properly of God, and are not found in any creature; as, for instance, that which was said to Moses, I am that I am; and, I Am has sent me to you."
Saint Augustine