The City of God · Chapter
XXIII explained
Augustine critiques the example of Cato's suicide, arguing that Cato's own advice to his son to trust Caesar's mercy undermines the claim that suicide was an honorable act.
What happens
Augustine critiques the example of Cato's suicide, arguing that Cato's own advice to his son to trust Caesar's mercy undermines the claim that suicide was an honorable act. He suggests Cato's act was motivated by weakness or envy rather than true virtue.
Themes in this chapter
Morality and Virtue vs. Pagan Corruption
Augustine contrasts pagan Roman ideals of honor with Christian moral reasoning, questioning the virtue of suicide.
Characters to notice
- Marcus Cato
Cato's suicide at Utica is examined; Augustine argues it was an act of weakness or envy, not honor, as shown by his advice to his son.
- Lucretia
Mentioned as another example of suicide previously discussed.
- Julius Caesar
Caesar's victory and his reported comment about Cato's envy are referenced.
Key passages
“But of this action of his, what can I say but that his own friends, enlightened men as he, prudently dissuaded him, and therefore judged his act to be that of a feeble rather than a strong spirit, and dictated not by honourable feeling forestalling shame, but by weakness shrinking from hardships?”
Augustine argues that Cato's friends, who were wise men, advised against his suicide, showing that it was an act of weakness, not strength.
Augustine uses the dissuasion by Cato's friends to undermine the notion that suicide is honorable.
“If Torquatus was applauded for putting his son to death, when contrary to orders he had engaged, and engaged successfully, with the enemy, why did conquered Cato spare his conquered son, though he did not spare himself?”
Augustine contrasts Torquatus's execution of his son for disobedience with Cato's sparing of his son, questioning Cato's consistency.
Augustine highlights the inconsistency in Cato's actions to challenge the moral justification of his suicide.