Augustine Quote by Blaise Pascal
“I would inquire of reasonable persons whether this principle: Matter is naturally wholly incapable of thought, and this other: I think, therefore I am, are in fact the same in the mind of Descartes, and in that of St. Augustine, who said the same thing twelve hundred years before.”
About This Quote
Source Treatise: Pensées, 1670
Descartes’ claim “I think, therefore I am” mirrors Augustine’s earlier notion of the soul’s self‑knowledge, showing a shared philosophical thread.
In simple terms: Both philosophers link thought to existence.
Key Takeaway
Recognize common roots in philosophical ideas.
Themes
philosophy
identity
history
theology
Mood
contemplative
inquisitive
Type
philosophical
theological
When to use this quote
- academic study
- theological debate
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
Cartesian doubt
Augustinian introspection
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you define self‑awareness?
- What historical influences shape modern thought?
A Different Perspective
Interpretations differ across cultures.
![“Again, I hear almost everyday from atheists who write off religion as primitive, premodern nonsense. I summon Aquinas, Augustine, Paul [of Tarsus], Teresa of Avila, Joseph Ratzinger, and Edith Stein-in all their intellectual rigor-as allies in the the struggle against this dismissive atheism.” quote by Robert Barron](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/86d/robert-barron-13186_allies_again-i-hear-almost-everyday-from-atheis_35728.jpg)
