Richard Rolle Quotes

Powerful Richard Rolle for Daily Growth

About Richard Rolle

Richard Rolle (1290-1349), also known as "Richard of Hampole" or "The English Mystic," was a prominent 14th-century English mystic and author. Born around 1290 in Yorkshire, England, his exact birthdate remains uncertain. He spent much of his early life seeking spiritual enlightenment through solitary contemplation, living as a hermit in various locations throughout Yorkshire. Influenced by the works of St. Augustine and St. Paul, Rolle's mystical writings emphasized the importance of individual, direct experience of God and an intense focus on the inner life. His seminal work, "The Book of Divine Compassion," was completed around 1340 and is a profound exploration of Christian mysticism, featuring poetic verse and prose that delve into topics like contemplative prayer, the nature of divine love, and the role of the soul in the spiritual journey. Rolle's second major work, "The Fire of Love," was composed around 1342-1345 and is considered a masterpiece of Middle English literature. It delves deeper into the themes presented in his earlier work and provides insights into Rolle's own spiritual experiences and practices. Throughout his life, Rolle attracted a devoted following, with many seeking his wisdom and guidance on their spiritual journeys. He died around 1349, having left behind a legacy of profound works that continue to influence Christian mysticism to this day. His enduring contributions to the spiritual life have earned him recognition as one of England's most significant mystical authors.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The soul that has God for its only desire needs nothing else, for it gets everything out of God and is poor in all other things."

This quote emphasizes a spiritual state where one's primary aim is to seek and connect with God. The soul in such a state finds contentment and fulfillment in this divine relationship, requiring nothing else from the worldly realm because it derives everything essential - peace, joy, love, etc., from its communion with God. Such a soul experiences poverty in terms of material possessions or worldly desires because it recognizes their transient nature compared to the eternal and fulfilling connection with the divine.


"God is love and he who lives in love lives in God and God in him."

The quote by Richard Rolle suggests a profound spiritual connection between oneself and God, implying that true living is rooted in love. It asserts that one who embodies love is deeply connected to God, as they are essentially expressing the divine attribute of love, making God present within themselves. This understanding underscores the idea that love and God are not separate entities but rather two manifestations of a single, indivisible truth.


"If you seek God, seek him in the stillness of your own heart; you will find him there more than in books."

This quote by Richard Rolle emphasizes that seeking God or a deeper spiritual connection is not solely dependent on external sources like books, but rather within one's inner self, particularly in the stillness of one's own heart. It suggests that through introspection, self-reflection, and personal contemplation, individuals can experience a more profound understanding and relationship with the divine. This perspective underscores the importance of both spiritual learning and individual introspection for spiritual growth.


"The greatest honor to God is to love one another."

The quote emphasizes that the highest form of devotion and worship toward God is showing love for one another. In this context, loving others is not just an act of kindness but a way to honor and reflect God's infinite love. By treating each other with compassion, understanding, and respect, we are essentially mirroring the divine qualities that God embodies. In essence, the quote suggests that the path to spiritual growth and fulfillment lies in fostering love and unity among people.


"Do not wish for a greater or smaller, richer or poorer, longer or shorter life. Instead, wish that every moment be filled with the spirit of God."

This quote by Richard Rolle encourages us to find spiritual fulfillment in each moment rather than desiring more or less of temporal aspects like wealth, length of life, etc. It suggests that true contentment and meaning come from a deep connection with the divine presence within every moment, rather than seeking happiness through external factors such as material possessions or longevity. In essence, it's about finding God (or spiritual growth) in every moment of our lives, as opposed to longing for what we think life should be like based on worldly standards.


It behoves thee to love God wisely; and that may thou not do but if thou be wise.

- Richard Rolle

Love, Wise, Thee, Thou

The commandment of God is, that we love Our Lord in all our heart, in all our soul, in all our thought.

- Richard Rolle

Love, Soul, Thought, Commandment

Thy love is singular when all thy delight is in Jesus Christ and in no other thing finds joy and comfort.

- Richard Rolle

Love, Other, Christ, Delight

For love is a willful stirring of our thoughts unto God, so that it receive nothing that is against the love of Jesus Christ, and therewith that it be lasting in sweetness of devotion; and that is the perfection of this life.

- Richard Rolle

Love, Thoughts, Receive, Perfection

Who breathe where you will, come into me and snatch me up to yourself.

- Richard Rolle

Me, Will, Where, Breathe

The first is called insuperable, the second inseparable, the third singular.

- Richard Rolle

First, Third, Inseparable, Singular

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