Antonin Sertillanges
Antonin Sertillanges
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Full Name and Common Aliases
Antonin-Marie Sertillanges was a French Dominican priest, philosopher, and theologian.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on September 11, 1863, in Paris, France; died on February 24, 1945, in Paris, France.
Nationality and Profession(s)
French Dominican priest, philosopher, and theologian.
Early Life and Background
Antonin Sertillanges was born into a family of modest means. His father was a painter, and his mother was a woman of strong faith who instilled in him a deep respect for the Catholic Church. Sertillanges' early life was marked by a sense of purpose and direction, which he attributed to his parents' influence.
As a young man, Sertillanges was drawn to the Dominican Order, and in 1883, he entered the novitiate at Fréjus. This marked the beginning of his spiritual journey as a Dominican priest. He would go on to study philosophy and theology at the University of Paris, where he earned several degrees, including a Doctorate in Theology.
Major Accomplishments
Sertillanges' academic career was marked by numerous accomplishments. He held various positions at the University of Paris, including Professor of Philosophy and Chair of Mystical Theology. His expertise in these areas earned him recognition as a leading figure in French Catholic intellectual life.
One of Sertillanges' most significant contributions to Catholic thought was his work on the concept of "asceticism." He argued that asceticism is not merely a matter of personal mortification but rather a means of cultivating spiritual growth and intimacy with God. This idea would have far-reaching implications for Catholic spirituality and practice.
Notable Works or Actions
Sertillanges' literary output was extensive, comprising numerous articles, essays, and books on philosophy, theology, and spirituality. Some of his most notable works include:
_The Intellectual Life: A Preface to a Treatise on the Spiritual Life_
_Mysticism and Personality_
_A History of Western Philosophy_
These writings not only showcased Sertillanges' intellectual prowess but also provided a platform for him to share his spiritual insights with a wider audience.
Impact and Legacy
Sertillanges' impact on Catholic thought and spirituality is still felt today. His work on asceticism continues to influence contemporary debates about the nature of Christian spirituality. Moreover, his emphasis on the importance of intellectual life in the pursuit of spiritual growth resonates with readers seeking to deepen their faith.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Antonin Sertillanges is widely quoted and remembered for several reasons:
His insightful writings on philosophy, theology, and spirituality continue to inspire and educate readers.
His emphasis on the importance of asceticism in spiritual growth has had a lasting impact on Catholic thought.
His commitment to academic excellence and his contributions to the intellectual life of the University of Paris have left a lasting legacy in French Catholic intellectual circles.
Sertillanges' life and work serve as a testament to the power of faith, intellect, and dedication. His influence extends beyond his own time and place, offering wisdom and guidance to readers seeking to deepen their understanding of the world and their place within it.
Quotes by Antonin Sertillanges
If it is a book, do not leave it without being able to sum it up and to estimate its value.
When silence takes possession of you; when far from the racket of the human highway the sacred fire flames up in the stillness; when peace, which is the tranquillity of order, puts order in your thoughts, feelings, and investigations, you are in the supreme disposition for learning; you can bring your materials together; you can create; you are definitely at your working point; it is not the moment to dwell on wretched trifles, to half live while time runs by, and to sell heaven for nothings.
The man who is too isolated grows timid, abstracted, a little odd: He stumbles along amid realities like a sailor who has just come off his ship; he has lost the sense of the human lot; he seems to look on you as if you were a “proposition” to be inserted in a syllogism, or an example to be put down in a notebook.
How puerile it would be, and what a dangerous heresy from the religious point of view, to believe that passion in its proper place is offensive to God! We are not Manicheans, that we should incline to believe that the flesh is under a curse, and that all matter springs from the Principle of Evil. Rather do we say that matter and the flesh come from God.
The true bread had to be steeped in blood, broken with the gesture of loving sacrifice, distributed in the communion of a banquet for the whole world, and this upon a hill which foreshadowed Calvary, and like Calvary was destined to endure forever.
Love truth and its fruits of life, for yourself and for others; devote to study and to the profitable use of study the best part of your time and your heart.
We must beware of yielding to the pressure of a spirit of cowardly conformity which proclaims itself everybody’s friend in the hope that everybody will obligingly return the compliment.
We hear our legislators proclaim unceasingly their respect for the individual conscience, though it be a religious conscience, and themselves anticlericals.All the same, all their efforts tend to, dissociate us, and to reduce us to the state of amorphous dust. They can bear no organised society other than what they call a lay society no government other than their government and no social finality other than their temporal aspirations.