We observe the tides coming in and out, the seasons changing, and even our own bodies aging over time.Īll of these physical things appear to confirm that time is constantly ‘passing’. Each day, the sun rises and then sets before nighttime comes around. We know how deeply embedded our lives are in time.

Even today, thousands of years after Augustine wrote these words, many of us will recognize this problem.

If I want to explain it to an inquirer, I do not know” (St Augustine, 2008). His famous enquiry into time begins by asking: “What then is time? Provided that no one asks me, I know. Although many Greek and Roman philosophers had already discussed time at length, St Augustine was one of the first people to point out how difficult it is for human beings to properly define time. As well as autobiographical details, the Confessions contains commentary on various aspects of philosophy, including some striking thoughts on the nature of time. St Augustine’s most famous work is probably the Confessions, in which he recounts his life story both before and after his conversion to Christianity. St Augustine’s Enquiries into Time and Consciousness A portrait of St. Scenes from the Life of Saint Augustine of Hippo, by Master of Saint Augustine, ca. This union resulted in the birth of an illegitimate son, Adeodatus, in 372 AD. Somewhat bizarrely for a future saint of the Catholic Church, Augustine had a few relationships with concubines and even enjoyed a lengthy affair with a woman he didn’t end up marrying. But as he grew older, his life became more tumultuous. He became a highly capable scholar who traveled around Africa and Italy pursuing his studies. However, during Augustine’s childhood it hadn’t yet become the official religion of the Roman Empire.Īugustine’s family was fairly well off and his parents ensured that he received an excellent education. During this time, Christianity was beginning to spread from its major following in the Middle East. He was born in 354 AD in Tagaste, a Roman community located in modern-day Algeria, just 40 miles from the African coastline. In fact, he is widely considered to be one of the most significant Christian thinkers in history, thanks to his extensive theological writing. Augustine of Hippo, via īut first, it’s important to remember that St Augustine isn’t just celebrated for his theories on time (the ‘Saint’ before his name is a big clue!). A Brief Biography of St Augustine of Hippo Stain glass image of St.

St augustine of hippo autobiography