When describing the human condition, Augustine talks about a certain “restlessness,” and Pascal talks about a kind of “craving.”
- When describing the human condition, Augustine talks about a certain “restlessness,” and Pascal talks about a kind of “craving.” For these thinkers, this is a kind of “clue” to the nature of reality. Explain what they mean.
Pascal talks about a kind of craving, which he suggests is the root cause of suffering among humanity. The view is of this fundamental principle appears to experience all life is suffering. The suffering emanates from craving. Therefore, stopping the desires and craving eliminate suffering, and there are different mechanisms as a way by which suffering can be stopped. It means that personal desires and craving in humans destroy happiness in people.
Restlessness is a lack of peace in a person’s life. Augustine’s restlessness is based in a Christian context where a person’s heart remains restless until they receive rest in God. It is based on the belief that Christian faith in the new testament of the bible.
- Suggest what you think the key difference (or differences) is between “having our self-worth dependent on the opinions of others” (something de Botton criticizes) and the experience of “finding fulfillment in serving others” (something that Victor Frankl used to help suicidal people to find the strength to carry on).
Having one’s self-worth dependent on what others say about you is challenging because some critics may mislead and hurt one’s self-esteem. Action speaks louder than words. A person finds full fulfillment and credit based on helping and serving others. For instance, helping the disabled and handicapped people to make a difference in their lives is priceless and more valuable than people’s opinions about your self-worth.
- At the very beginning of the Jewish and Christian Scriptures, the term “Image of God” is used. Which of the following is most correct?
Select one:
- All human beings have inherent dignity, and their created purpose is to find God by escaping the evil material world
- All human beings have inherent dignity, and their created purpose is to reflect God as his princes and princesses
- The “hound” in “Hound of Heaven” is an allusion to Sirius “the dog star” which the author uses to encourage us to follow our dreams.
Select one:
True
False
- Augustine’s autobiographical Confessionsis valuable reading precisely because Augustine’s life was so unique, so outstanding, so one-of-a-kind.
Select one:
True
False
- One day Augustine was about to deliver a prestigious public speech in Milan. He had “made it” so to speak. His ambitions were paying off. You would think that he would be very satisfied. But what scene grabbed Augustine’s attention while he was on his way to deliver that speech and caused him to reflect on the state of his soul?
Select one:
- He saw a poor man laughing and seemingly without worries.
- He looked up at the majestic hills surrounding Milan
- His mother, Monica, arrived with the news of the death of his father, Patrick.
- He passed the Milan cathedral and was transfixed by its tall spires.
- He caught a glimpse of Bishop Ambrose, who had advised him not to do this speech.