of Hippo Augustine
King Alfred's Old English Version of St. Augustine's Soliloquies
Turned into Modern English
"King Alfred's Old English Version of St. Augustine's Soliloquies" by Augustine is a philosophical text translated into modern English, likely from the late 19th century. This work serves as a profound exploration of introspective thought, engaging with themes of self-examination, the nature of the soul, and the quest for understanding God. The dialogue primarily revolves around the character of Augustine, who reflects on his existence and seeks answers to his existential questions through an internal conversation with Reason. The beginning of the text introduces King Alfred's preface, where he discusses the gathering of materials necessary for building—a metaphor tied to the construction of understanding and wisdom through contemplation. This is followed by Augustine's contemplation on his own identity and the duality of the mortal and eternal aspects of the self. He engages in a dialogic exchange with his Reason, questioning the manageability of knowledge and the essence of memory, faith, and prayer as he strives to grasp the nature of God and his own soul. This opening sets a tone of philosophical inquiry that invites readers into deep reflection on intellectual and spiritual matters.