“The world is like a house, which is illuminated by the light of the sun while the sun is above the horizon, but darkened when it sets.”

Explaining cosmic order through an accessible image of light and darkness · On the Nature of Things

• Beauty
• Nature
• Truth

“When the fire is kindled in the middle of the hall, the sparrow flies swiftly through, entering at one door and quickly passing out through another.”

Using a fleeting natural image to express the brevity of human existence · Ecclesiastical History of the English People, Book II

• Mortality
• Nature
• Time

“The present life of man, O king, seems to me, in comparison with that time of which we have no knowledge, like the swift flight of a sparrow through the room.”

Reflecting on human mortality and the mystery surrounding life · Ecclesiastical History of the English People, Book II

• Mortality
• Nature
• Time

“Should it tell of wicked men, the devout and pious listener, by avoiding all that is harmful and perverse, is moved to pursue what he knows to be good and pleasing to God.”

Describing moral judgment as a proper response to historical knowledge · Preface to Ecclesiastical History of the English People

• Faith
• Truth

“Should history tell of good men, the attentive listener is incited to imitate what is good.”

Presenting history as a practical guide to virtuous living · Preface to Ecclesiastical History of the English People

• Art
• Truth