"In what way, then, do you, Ruler of all that you have created, reveal the future to the souls of men? You have revealed it to your prophets. But how do you reveal the future to us when, for us, the future does not exist? Is it that you only reveal present signs of things that are to come? For it is utterly impossible that things which do not exist should be revealed. The means by which you do this is far beyond our understanding. I have not the strength to comprehend this mystery, and by my own power I never shall. But in your strength I shall understand it, when you grant me the grace to see, sweet Light of the eyes of my soul."
- Book XI Chapter XIX
Commentary:
I'm not too anxious about my college decision letters. But I want to know: am I accepted? Or not? Augustine alludes to a theory that we can know the future by looking at the present in the qualities and states of that which is looked upon. This is in accordance with human reason, though, and has little do with supernatural uncovering. According to Saint Augustine the future does not exist- yet- and, he argues, how can one know what does not exist? In my mind I have created an construct; my college decision already exists, I tell myself, I have just yet to know what it is. The admissions officers might not have even discussed my application or placed the acceptance letter in the envelope but I am so certain that the decision exists in such a way that though it does not exist, the very essence of its potential existence excites in me desire to know. Yes, we impatient human beings have a hard time dealing with the facts of things in the future and often in the present as well.
No comments:
Post a Comment