Quote by Saint Augustine of Hippo
Love, and do what thou wilt: whether thou hold thy peace, through love hold thy peace; whether thou cry out, through love cry out; whether thou correct, through love correct; whether thou spare, through love do thou spare: let the root of love be within, of this root can nothing spring but what is good.
Summary
This quote, often attributed to Saint Augustine, emphasizes the central role of love in guiding our actions. It suggests that when we act out of love, we have the freedom to follow our own will while still remaining in harmony with others. Whether we choose to be silent or vocal, to reprimand or show mercy, love serves as the underlying motivation. By nurturing love within ourselves, only goodness can be produced as its natural outcome. This quote encourages us to prioritize love in all our actions as true fulfillment and positive outcomes flow from it.