Introduction to the Philosophy of Saint Augustine (continued)
themselves happy, when they lie among roses and other flowers, or even if they enjoy sweet-smelling unguents: but what is more fragrant, more delicious, than the inspiration of truth? And do we hesitate when we are inspired by it to call ourselves happy?
Many make for themselves a happy life in the song of voices, and of strings and flutes; and when these are wanting they deem themselves miserable, but when they are present they are transported by joy: and when without, so to speak, any din of songs, a kind of eloquent silence of truth steals upon our minds, shall we seek another happy life, and not enjoy the one so instant and so sure?
Men who love the gleam of gold and silver, the sparkle of gems or bright colors, or the clarity and pleasantness of the light itself that reaches these eyes—be it in earthly fires or stars or moon or sun—think themselves happy when they are not recalled from that pleasure by any vexation or need, and for these would fain live always: and do we fear to place a happy life in the light of truth?
36. Yea, truly, since in truth the supreme good is perceived and held secure and that truth is wisdom, let us descry the supreme good in it and grasp it and enjoy it. For he is indeed happy who enjoys the supreme good. For this truth spreads before us all those goods that singly or together men of understanding, each to the measure of his grasp, choose for themselves and enjoy. But just as men in the light of the sun choose that which they would fain gaze upon and are gladdened by the sight; whereas if there were perchance any of more robust health and endowed with stronger eyes, these would look upon nothing more willingly than the sun itself, which lights up also all those other things that delight weaker eyes: so the keen vision of a strong and active mind, when with sure reason it has looked upon many things true and unchanging, turns toward truth itself, through which all things are made evident; and cleaving, as it were, to that truth, forgets all things else and in it at once enjoys them all. For whatever is pleasant in other truths is surely present in truth itself.
37. This is our freedom, when we are submissive to that truth; and it itself is our God, who frees us from death, that is from the state of sin. For Truth itself, speaking as man to men, has said to those who believe in Him: If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:31-32) For the soul enjoys no thing with freedom, except that which it enjoys with security.