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.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.



