Once the troublesome mind begins to compose speeches and dream up arguments, especially if these are clever, it will soon imagine it is doing important work. But if you can surpass those thoughts, Teresa explained, and ascend toward God, it is a glorious bewilderment, a heavenly madness, in which true wisdom is acquired.

Once the troublesome mind begins to compose speeches and dream up arguments, especially if these are clever, it will soon imagine it is doing important work. But if you can surpass those thoughts, Teresa explained, and ascend toward God, it is a glorious bewilderment, a heavenly madness, in which true wisdom is acquired.

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This quote deeply resonates as it highlights the conflict within the human mind between intellectualization and spiritual growth. It points to the tendency of an overactive intellect to wrap itself in elaborate justifications and rationalizations, mistaking this mental noise for meaningful progress. The 'troublesome mind' can become a source of distraction, trapping us in cycles of argument and cleverness that provide a false sense of accomplishment. However, the quote invites us to transcend this chatter, to move beyond the surface level of thoughts and debates. By ‘ascending toward God,’ or a higher spiritual plane, one experiences what is termed a ‘glorious bewilderment’—a state that, though perhaps confusing or even chaotic, opens the doors to true wisdom.

This passage reminds us of the importance of humility and surrender in the journey of self-discovery. True wisdom is not merely the accumulation of clever ideas but rather an experiential understanding born from moments beyond the grasp of the analytical mind. The concept of ‘heavenly madness’ suggests that sometimes enlightenment must break free from the bounds of logic and enter into a domain where wonder and awe prevail.

In the context of everyday life, this serves as encouragement to not get lost in endless mental debates or intellectual pride. Instead, it advocates for moments of stillness and surrender – opportunities to connect with something greater than our limited thoughts. Ultimately, the wisdom gained through this process is deeper, richer, and more transformative than anything the mind alone can achieve.

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June 06, 2025

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