Our wills are ours, to make them Thine.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: The quote "Our wills are ours, to make them Thine" encapsulates a profound concept that delves into the complex interplay between personal agency and higher purpose. At its core, it suggests a dual ownership of willpower: one that is inherently personal and another that is transcendent or divine.
Firstly, it acknowledges the sovereignty of individual wills—our ability to make choices, forge paths, and shape our lives according to our desires, beliefs, and circumstances. This personal will is a fundamental aspect of human identity and autonomy, reflecting our capacity to act, decide, and influence our own destinies. It speaks to the inherent power each person possesses to determine their actions and the direction of their lives.
Simultaneously, the phrase proposes a surrender or alignment of these personal wills with something greater than ourselves—"to make them Thine." This invocation of a higher or transcendent will suggests a voluntary submission or alignment of individual desires and actions with a broader, often spiritual or moral framework. It implies a recognition of a larger purpose or universal order that guides our choices and intentions.
In essence, the quote invites contemplation on the relationship between personal autonomy and spiritual or moral authority. It suggests that while we possess the freedom to choose and act, there is also value in aligning our wills with principles or beliefs that transcend individual desires—whether these are ethical principles, spiritual ideals, or a sense of duty to others. This alignment can imbue personal willpower with greater meaning, purpose, and coherence, fostering a sense of harmony between individual aspirations and broader moral or spiritual imperatives.
Moreover, the quote encourages introspection into the nature of personal agency and the moral dimensions of decision-making. It prompts individuals to consider how their choices and actions align with their deepest values and beliefs, and whether these are in harmony with larger, perhaps divine, principles. By acknowledging both the independence and potential interconnectedness of personal and higher wills, the quote invites a nuanced understanding of human agency—one that balances self-determination with a recognition of something greater than oneself. Thus, it challenges individuals to reflect not only on what they want to achieve personally but also on how their actions contribute to a larger, more meaningful narrative of purpose and fulfillment.
Who said the quote?
The quote "Our wills are ours, to make them Thine." is often attributed to Marcus Aurelius (Bio / Quotes). Marcus Aurelius was a Roman emperor who ruled from AD 161 until his death in AD 180.
Is there a historical example that illustrates the message of the quote?
The quote "Our wills are ours, to make them Thine" speaks to the idea of surrendering personal desires and decisions to a higher power, aligning one's will with something greater than oneself. A historical example that vividly illustrates this message is the life of St. Augustine of Hippo.
St. Augustine, a towering figure in Christian history, is best known for his deep theological insights and his profound spiritual transformation. Born in 354 AD in what is now Algeria, Augustine was initially a man of worldly ambitions and pursuits. He sought pleasure, success, and intellectual achievement, indulging in hedonistic pleasures and pursuing a career in rhetoric and philosophy. Augustine's life was marked by inner turmoil, as he struggled with the conflict between his desires and the teachings of Christianity, which he had been exposed to since childhood.
For many years, Augustine resisted the call to convert to Christianity fully. He was deeply influenced by the Manichaean religion and later by Neoplatonism, both of which shaped his worldview. However, despite his intellectual pursuits, Augustine felt a profound emptiness within. His famous work, "Confessions," reveals his internal struggle—a battle between his will, which was driven by personal desires, and the divine will that called him to a higher purpose.
The turning point came in 386 AD, in a garden in Milan, where Augustine experienced a moment of spiritual clarity. Hearing a child’s voice chanting "Tolle lege" ("Take up and read"), Augustine interpreted this as a divine command. He picked up a Bible and read a passage from the Epistle to the Romans that spoke directly to his situation, urging him to abandon his sinful ways and live a life in accordance with God's will. This moment marked Augustine's complete surrender of his own will to that of God’s, a transformation from a life of self-indulgence to one of piety and devotion.
Augustine's conversion illustrates the essence of the quote: the act of relinquishing personal will in favor of aligning with a divine purpose. His later life, devoted to theology, writing, and serving as a bishop, exemplified this alignment. He became a foundational thinker in Christianity, shaping doctrines that would influence the church for centuries.
How can the quote be applied in a real-life scenario?
In modern life, the quote "Our wills are ours, to make them Thine" can be applied in numerous ways, particularly in contexts where individuals face decisions that require them to consider the greater good over personal gain.
Consider a scenario where a person is offered a lucrative job that promises wealth and prestige but requires compromising their values, such as working for a company that engages in unethical practices. The individual's will—driven by the desire for financial security and status—may initially incline them to accept the offer. However, upon deeper reflection, they might realize that their conscience and moral beliefs stand in opposition to this choice.
Applying the quote, the person could decide to align their will with a higher ethical standard, perhaps influenced by their faith, principles, or a commitment to social responsibility. By choosing to decline the job, despite the personal loss, they are making a conscious effort to surrender their personal desires to a higher moral or spiritual calling. This decision might lead them to seek opportunities that, while less lucrative, allow them to contribute positively to society and live in accordance with their values.
In essence, this application of the quote demonstrates the power of choosing integrity over self-interest, of aligning one's decisions with a purpose that transcends personal desires. It reflects the understanding that true fulfillment often comes not from the pursuit of individual ambition but from living in harmony with a greater ethical or spiritual truth.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
