The practical realization of the axiom “grace perfects nature and does not destroy it” is accomplished only by the mystical, not ontological, agony and death of this same nature… In human nature (wounded ever since the first sin and gnawed to its depth by concupiscence), this death cannot be achieved without those great uprootings in the night of the senses and the night of the soul – unless the seed fall to the earth and decay (Jn 12:24). Then do we not remain alone; then do we bear fruit.
Jacques Maritain (1882–1973)