Meaning: This quote is attributed to Saint Augustine, a Christian theologian and philosopher from the 4th and 5th centuries. The quote is a reflection on the wisdom and beauty found in the writings of classical philosophers such as Plato and Cicero, juxtaposed with the absence of a specific invitation found in their works. The invitation Saint Augustine refers to is a direct reference to a well-known saying of Jesus Christ, which is found in the New Testament of the Bible in the book of Matthew 11:28. In this verse, Jesus says, "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

Saint Augustine's quote highlights his recognition of the profound wisdom and beauty present in the philosophical writings of Plato and Cicero. Both of these ancient thinkers are known for their influential contributions to Western philosophy and ethics. Plato, a student of Socrates and the teacher of Aristotle, wrote numerous dialogues exploring a wide range of philosophical topics, including the nature of reality, ethics, and the ideal state. Cicero, a Roman statesman and orator, also made significant contributions to philosophy, particularly in the areas of rhetoric, ethics, and political theory.

By acknowledging the wisdom and beauty in the writings of these classical philosophers, Saint Augustine demonstrates his respect for their intellectual contributions. However, he also draws attention to a notable absence in their works – the absence of the specific invitation to find rest in Jesus Christ. This absence serves as a point of contrast for Saint Augustine, emphasizing the unique and profound invitation extended by Jesus in the Christian tradition.

Saint Augustine's own intellectual journey led him from a background in classical philosophy to a conversion to Christianity. His exploration of the writings of Plato and Cicero, among others, played a significant role in his philosophical development. Yet, it was ultimately his encounter with the teachings of Christianity, and the invitation he perceived in them, that led to his conversion and his subsequent influential writings on Christian theology and philosophy.

In the context of this quote, Saint Augustine is highlighting the distinction between the wisdom and beauty found in classical philosophy and the profound spiritual invitation offered in the Christian faith. The invitation to come to Jesus, to find rest for one's labor and burdens, represents a central tenet of Christian theology – the idea of finding solace and salvation in a divine figure. This invitation speaks to the core of Christian belief in the redemptive power of Jesus Christ and the promise of spiritual rest for those who come to him.

Saint Augustine's quote serves as a reflection on the intersection of classical wisdom and Christian faith, and it underscores his recognition of the unique and transformative nature of the Christian invitation to find rest in Jesus Christ. It also offers insight into his own intellectual and spiritual journey, as well as his perspective on the profound significance of this invitation within the broader context of philosophical and religious thought.

In summary, Saint Augustine's quote encapsulates his appreciation for the wisdom and beauty found in the writings of classical philosophers, while also drawing attention to the distinctive invitation offered in the Christian tradition. It reflects his personal journey of intellectual exploration and spiritual discovery, as well as his recognition of the profound significance of the invitation to find rest in Jesus Christ within the context of broader philosophical and religious discourse.