people
Simplicianus
introduced Augustine to Neoplatonism that challenged his materialistic views and gave him a framework to understand the immaterial world
told him about Victorinus
Augustine's view
the self is inherently flawed due to original sin and is incapable of achieving true happiness on its own - we are constantly seeking something to fill the void
true happiness can only be found in God, the human heart is innately designed to seek God
becoming aware of our limitations and insufficiency of earthly pursuits paves the way for the search for God
Augustine and Monica
Ostia 387 AD after Augustine's baptism
heartfelt discussion about the natural of etenal life and progressed to contemplating the nature of God and happiness in the afterlife
both entered a state of intense spiritual reflection and felt a glimpse of the divine realm
called it "unspeakable" and "beyond expression" - shaped Augustine's understanding of God and the human spirit
Victorinus
was an inspiration to embrace and committ to Christianity
Rousseau's view
social comparison and approval distorts our authentic self and society shapes our identities
weak, divided, and conflicted human will
Augustine believed humans had lost their ability to choose good after Adam and Eve's sin - the human will became weak and inclined to sin
divided between desires of the flesh and desires of the spirit - an ongoing battle between sin and grace
rejected the idea that our will is completely free to choose between good and evil - humans are influenced by past experiences, desires, and God's grace
Ponticianus
shared the story of Saint Antony that challenged Augustine's worldly desires
Augustine vs Rousseau
God is the source of identity [vs] our natural self before societal influence is the source
divine grace in shaping the self [vs] education to cultivate the authentic self
internal struggle between good and evil [vs] eternal conflict between the natural self and the social self
personal exploration [vs] critical analysis of society's impact on the self
Method of Ascent
"Interior Journey" - proposes a way to move closer to God through a philosophical and spiritual progression emphasizing the mind's capacity to reflect God's presence
observe the beauty and order of the world (God's creative power)
the material world is subject to change and points to the realm of unchanging perfection
explore the human mind that reflects God's own immaterial and unchanging nature
connect to something universal and eternal through the mind's ability to grasp truth, beauty, and goodness
the soul can ascend towards God, the ultimate source of truth, beauty, and goodness
Antony
exposed the shallowness of Augustine's worldly pursuits - Antony gave up all his possessions and devoted himself to God
awoke a more spiritual life in Augustine who was inspired to follow in Antony's footsteps