The City of God · Chapter
Of the image of the supreme Trinity, which we find in some sort in human nature even in its present state explained
Augustine explores the image of the supreme Trinity in human nature, emphasizing that while humans are not equal to God, they bear a closer resemblance to Him than any other creation.
What happens
Augustine explores the image of the supreme Trinity in human nature, emphasizing that while humans are not equal to God, they bear a closer resemblance to Him than any other creation. He argues that the mind's self-awareness, knowledge, and love of these truths provide a certain foundation against skeptical doubts, as even deception presupposes existence.
Themes in this chapter
True Worship and the One God
The chapter discusses the image of the supreme Trinity in human nature, pointing toward the true God.
Sin, Grace, and Redemption
Augustine notes that the image of God in humans is to be restored to a closer resemblance, implying a need for redemption.
Characters to notice
- Augustine
Author and narrator, reflecting on the image of the Trinity in human nature.
Key passages
“For if I am deceived, I am. For he who is not, cannot be deceived; and if I am deceived, by this same token I am.”
Even if I am deceived, my existence is certain because non-existence cannot be deceived.
Augustine uses the fact of deception to prove the certainty of one's own existence.
“And since I am if I am deceived, how am I deceived in believing that I am? for it is certain that I am if I am deceived.”
Because my existence is confirmed by the very act of being deceived, I cannot be mistaken about my own being.
This argument counters Academic skepticism by grounding self-knowledge in the act of deception.