Bernard of Clairvaux Quotes
Bernard of Clairvaux was a French Cistercian abbot, mystical theologian, and one of the most influential figures of the twelfth century. As founder of the abbey of Clairvaux and father of more than sixty daughter houses, he reformed Western monasticism and contributed decisively to the spirituality of his age. The quotes below are attributed to Bernard of Clairvaux, organized by topic.
Bernard of Clairvaux on Knowledge
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Attributed to Bernard of Clairvaux:
“Without knowledge of self, there is no knowledge of God.”
Bernard of Clairvaux on Love
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Attributed to Bernard of Clairvaux:
“The reason for loving God is God himself; the measure of love is to love without measure.”
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Attributed to Bernard of Clairvaux:
“What we love we shall grow to resemble.”
Bernard of Clairvaux on Virtue
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Attributed to Bernard of Clairvaux:
“There is something in humility which strangely exalts the heart.”
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Attributed to Bernard of Clairvaux:
“Hell is full of good intentions or desires.”
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Attributed to Bernard of Clairvaux:
“He who is faithful in little is faithful also in much.”