This article explores the enduring relevance of the opening question from Augustine's Soliloquies — “What do you want to know?” — as a lens through which to examine the human search for truth. Augustine’s radical answer, “God and the soul. Nothing else,” frames a philosophical and existential journey marked by desire, uncertainty, and eventual conversion. Against a contemporary backdrop that confuses information with knowledge, the text highlights Augustine’s path from skepticism to the affirmation of truth as an inward, affective, and participatory act. Through a re-reading of key moments from the Confessions and the City of God, the author shows how true knowledge, for Augustine, arises not from possession but from love. Knowing is a spiritual act that unites reason, will, and desire. In this light, Augustine’s insights challenge modern assumptions and invite us to reconsider what is truly worth knowing in a world overloaded with data yet starved for meaning.

Muller, P. A. M., "Cosa vuoi conoscere?" La domanda che segna la strada., <<AVVENIRE>>, 2025-05-18 [https://hdl.handle.net/10807/319037]

"Cosa vuoi conoscere?" La domanda che segna la strada.

Muller, Paola Anna Maria
2025

Abstract

This article explores the enduring relevance of the opening question from Augustine's Soliloquies — “What do you want to know?” — as a lens through which to examine the human search for truth. Augustine’s radical answer, “God and the soul. Nothing else,” frames a philosophical and existential journey marked by desire, uncertainty, and eventual conversion. Against a contemporary backdrop that confuses information with knowledge, the text highlights Augustine’s path from skepticism to the affirmation of truth as an inward, affective, and participatory act. Through a re-reading of key moments from the Confessions and the City of God, the author shows how true knowledge, for Augustine, arises not from possession but from love. Knowing is a spiritual act that unites reason, will, and desire. In this light, Augustine’s insights challenge modern assumptions and invite us to reconsider what is truly worth knowing in a world overloaded with data yet starved for meaning.
Italiano
18-mag-2025
Muller, P. A. M., "Cosa vuoi conoscere?" La domanda che segna la strada., <<AVVENIRE>>, 2025-05-18 [https://hdl.handle.net/10807/319037]
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/10807/319037
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