Choose a topic from Part 2B:

179. The Types of Life

1. We often call the "life" of a person thatupon which he is most intent and in which he finds the greatestdelight. Of one man, we say that his life is art; of another,study; of another, travel, and so on. Now, some men are especiallybent upon the contemplation of truth; others are givenwholeheartedly to external activity. Thus, a person's life maybe described as contemplative or as active.

2. Just as the intellect is speculative orcontemplative in knowing truth about things, and practicalor active in its grasp of what one is to do, so lifeitself is suitably classified as the contemplative life and theactive life.

"The more you know and the better you understand, the more severely will you be judged, unless your life is also the more holy. Do not be proud, therefore, because of your learning or skill. Rather, fear because of the talent given you."
Thomas á Kempis

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"God commands not impossibilities, but by commanding he suggests to you to do what you can, to ask for what is beyond your strength; and he helps you, that you may be able."
St Augustine

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"Whom do you seek, friend, if you seek not God? Seek him, find him, cleave to him; bind your will to his with bands of steel and you will live always at peace in this life and in the next."
St Alphonsus de Liguori

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