The usual complaint is, ‘I have no other way of earning a living.’ The harsh reply can be, ‘Do you have to live?’
Meaning of the quote
People often complain that they have no other way to make money. But the harsh response could be - do you really need to live? This quote suggests that we should question whether our desire to live a comfortable life is more important than finding other ways to earn a living, even if they are difficult or unconventional.
About Tertullian
Tertullian was a prolific early Christian author from Carthage who made significant contributions to the development of Western theology. He was the first writer to use the term “trinity” in Latin and is considered the “father of Latin Christianity.” However, some of his teachings were later rejected by the Church.
More quotes from Tertullian
Hope is patience with the lamp lit.
Roman Christian theologian and writer (c. 155 - c. 220)
The more you mow us down, the more numerous we grow; the blood of Christians is seed.
Roman Christian theologian and writer (c. 155 - c. 220)
The pleasure of those who injure you lies in your pain. Therefore they will suffer if you take away their pleasure by not feeling pain.
Roman Christian theologian and writer (c. 155 - c. 220)
The entire fruit is already present in the seed.
Roman Christian theologian and writer (c. 155 - c. 220)
Indeed heresies are themselves instigated by philosophy.
Roman Christian theologian and writer (c. 155 - c. 220)
Prevention of birth is a precipitation of murder.
Roman Christian theologian and writer (c. 155 - c. 220)
Nature soaks every evil with either fear or shame.
Roman Christian theologian and writer (c. 155 - c. 220)
Christians are made, not born.
Roman Christian theologian and writer (c. 155 - c. 220)
Arguments about Scripture achieve nothing but a stomachache and a headache.
Roman Christian theologian and writer (c. 155 - c. 220)
See how these Christians love one another.
Roman Christian theologian and writer (c. 155 - c. 220)
The usual complaint is, ‘I have no other way of earning a living.’ The harsh reply can be, ‘Do you have to live?’
Roman Christian theologian and writer (c. 155 - c. 220)
It is certain because it is impossible.
Roman Christian theologian and writer (c. 155 - c. 220)
Out of the frying pan, into the fire.
Roman Christian theologian and writer (c. 155 - c. 220)
Nothing that is God’s is obtainable by money.
Roman Christian theologian and writer (c. 155 - c. 220)
What has Athens to do with Jerusalem?
Roman Christian theologian and writer (c. 155 - c. 220)
He who flees will fight again.
Roman Christian theologian and writer (c. 155 - c. 220)
He who lives only to benefit himself confers on the world a benefit when he dies.
Roman Christian theologian and writer (c. 155 - c. 220)
You can judge the quality of their faith from the way they behave. Discipline is an index to doctrine.
Roman Christian theologian and writer (c. 155 - c. 220)
Two kinds of blindness are easily combined so that those who do not see really appear to see what is not.
Roman Christian theologian and writer (c. 155 - c. 220)
You cannot parcel out freedom in pieces because freedom is all or nothing.
Roman Christian theologian and writer (c. 155 - c. 220)
It is certain because it is possible.
Roman Christian theologian and writer (c. 155 - c. 220)
Fear is the foundation of safety.
Roman Christian theologian and writer (c. 155 - c. 220)
The first reaction to truth is hatred.
Roman Christian theologian and writer (c. 155 - c. 220)
Indeed it is better to postpone, lest either we complete too little by hurrying, or wander too long in completing it.
Roman Christian theologian and writer (c. 155 - c. 220)
Truth engenders hatred of truth. As soon as it appears, it is the enemy.
Roman Christian theologian and writer (c. 155 - c. 220)
Divorce these days is a religious vow, as if the proper offspring of marriage.
Roman Christian theologian and writer (c. 155 - c. 220)
The nature of rumor is known to all.
Roman Christian theologian and writer (c. 155 - c. 220)
The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.
Roman Christian theologian and writer (c. 155 - c. 220)