# Of the division of philosophy into three parts explained — The City of God

> Chapter companion for The City of God by Augustine of Hippo.

## What happens

Augustine discusses the threefold division of philosophy into natural, rational, and moral (physical, logical, ethical). He notes that this division was discovered, not invented, and that Plato was the first to promulgate it. Augustine reflects on the three things every artificer needs—nature, education, practice—and relates them to the philosophical divisions. He emphasizes that God is the author of nature, the bestower of intelligence, and the kindler of love, and that we must use temporal things and enjoy eternal ones, not perversely use God for temporal gain.

## Themes in this chapter

### True Worship and the One God

Augustine contrasts the proper use of temporal things for the enjoyment of eternal things with the perverse worship of God for material gain, emphasizing that God alone is the source of wisdom and blessedness.

### Morality and Virtue vs. Pagan Corruption

The chapter discusses the moral (ethical) part of philosophy, which concerns the good to which all actions ought to tend, and critiques those who perversely enjoy money and use God.

## Character check-ins

### Augustine

Author of the chapter, reflecting on the threefold division of philosophy and its relation to God.

### Plato

Said to be the first to discover and promulgate the threefold division of philosophy.

## Key lines

> For we correctly speak of the 'fruits of the field,' which certainly we all use in the present life.

We commonly refer to the 'fruits of the field' as things we use in this life.

_Augustine clarifies the common usage of 'fruit' and 'use' in everyday language._

> But now, since our nature has God as its requisite author, it is certain that we must have Him for our teacher that we may be wise; Him, too, to dispense to us spiritual sweetness that we may be blessed.

Because God created our nature, we need Him as our teacher to gain wisdom and as the giver of spiritual joy to attain blessedness.

_Augustine concludes that God is the necessary source of both wisdom and blessedness._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters/part-ii-xxv
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_city_of_god_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_city_of_god_se/chapters