Augustine of Hippo Quotes on Two Loves Within

Understanding Augustine’s “Two Loves”

Augustine, a prominent figure in Christian theology, believed humans are torn between two fundamental loves: amor Dei (love of God) and amor sui (love of self). He argued that our actions, choices, and even thoughts stem from one of these two sources. This isn’t simply a matter of good versus bad, but a deeper struggle between two opposing orientations of the heart.

The City of God vs. The City of Man

Augustine’s concept of the two loves is closely tied to his “City of God” and “City of Man” analogy. The City of God represents those who prioritize love for God, seeking eternal truths and spiritual fulfillment. The City of Man, on the other hand, signifies those driven by self-love, worldly desires, and temporal pleasures. He posited that these two “cities” exist simultaneously within each individual, constantly vying for dominance.

Augustine of Hippo Quotes on Two Loves Within: A Closer Look

Numerous quotes from Augustine’s writings illuminate his understanding of the two loves. One such quote states, “There are two loves, therefore, from which proceed two cities: the earthly love, which tends towards self, even to contempt of God, and the heavenly love, which tends towards God, even to contempt of self.” This concisely encapsulates the core of his philosophy. The two loves aren’t merely different; they are diametrically opposed. One leads to a focus on the self, potentially leading to a disregard for the divine, while the other centers on God, even to the point of self-denial.

The Weight of Love

Another insightful quote states, “Thou hast made us for thyself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in thee.” This highlights the inherent yearning within us for something beyond the material world. Augustine believed this restlessness is a direct consequence of our being created for God. True peace and fulfillment, according to him, can only be found in aligning ourselves with the divine, in choosing the love of God over the love of self.

The Practical Implications of Augustine’s Philosophy

Augustine’s teachings aren’t just abstract theological concepts. They offer practical guidance for navigating life’s complexities. By understanding the two loves within, we can become more conscious of our motivations and make choices that align with our deepest values.

Choosing Love in Everyday Life

How does this translate to everyday decisions? Consider the choice between pursuing a career solely for material gain versus one that contributes to a greater good. Or the decision to prioritize personal pleasure over helping others. These seemingly small choices reflect the ongoing struggle between the two loves.

Conclusion

Augustine of Hippo’s quotes on the two loves within remain remarkably relevant today. By understanding the fundamental conflict between love of God and love of self, we can gain deeper insight into our own hearts and strive to make choices that lead to true fulfillment. His wisdom encourages us to examine our motivations, prioritize our values, and ultimately, choose the love that leads to lasting peace. Augustine’s philosophy reminds us that the battle between these two loves is an ongoing one, but one worth fighting for the sake of our souls.

FAQ

What are Augustine’s “two loves”? Amor Dei (love of God) and amor sui (love of self).

What is the City of God? It symbolizes those who prioritize love for God.

What is the City of Man? It represents those driven by self-love and worldly desires.

How can we apply Augustine’s philosophy to our lives? By becoming more conscious of our motivations and making choices aligned with our deepest values.

What is the ultimate goal according to Augustine? Finding true peace and fulfillment by aligning ourselves with the divine.

What are some examples of choosing between the two loves in everyday life? Choosing between a career for material gain versus one contributing to a greater good, or prioritizing personal pleasure over helping others.

Is the battle between the two loves a one-time event? No, it’s an ongoing struggle.