Confessions - Book XI - Chapter XX
St. Augustine explores the nature of time as a present experience in the soul, distinguishing memory, direct experience, and expectation as the true realities of past, present, and future.
In this profound exposition, St. Augustine delves into the elusive nature of time, challenging conventional views by presenting time as a present reality experienced through memory, direct experience, and expectation. He invites listeners to reconsider how they perceive past, present, and future, emphasizing the soul's role in experiencing these dimensions. This sermon encourages a deeper spiritual reflection on the temporal and eternal, guiding believers toward a more nuanced understanding of existence.
Text
26. But even now it is manifest and clear that there are neither times future nor times past. Thus it is not properly said that there are three times, past, present, and future. Perhaps it might be said rightly that there are three times: a time present of things past; a time present of things present; and a time present of things future. For these three do coexist somehow in the soul, for otherwise I could not see them. The time present of things past is memory; the time present of things present is direct experience; the time present of things future is expectation.[437] If we are allowed to speak of these things so, I see three times, and I grant that there are three. Let it still be said, then, as our misapplied custom has it: \"There are three times, past, present, and future.\" I shall not be troubled by it, nor argue, nor object--always provided that what is said is understood, so that neither the future nor the past is said to exist now. There are but few things about which we speak properly--and many more about which we speak improperly--though we understand one another\\
Sermon Outline
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I
- Introduction to the concept of time
- Common understanding of past, present, and future
- Philosophical challenge to the existence of time
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II
- Time as experienced in the soul
- Memory as the present of the past
- Direct experience as the present of the present
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III
- Expectation as the present of the future
- Coexistence of these three times in the soul
- Implications for understanding reality and existence
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IV
- Proper and improper speech about time
- Acceptance of common language with correct understanding
- Conclusion on the nature of time and human perception
Key Quotes
“There are neither times future nor times past.” — St. Augustine
“The time present of things past is memory; the time present of things present is direct experience; the time present of things future is expectation.” — St. Augustine
“Let it still be said, then, as our misapplied custom has it: 'There are three times, past, present, and future.'” — St. Augustine
Application Points
- Reflect on how your soul experiences time through memory, presence, and expectation.
- Recognize that only the present truly exists and live fully in the present moment with God.
- Use this understanding to deepen your spiritual awareness and trust in God's eternal nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Augustine mean by 'three times'?
He refers to past, present, and future as three forms of present experience in the soul: memory, direct experience, and expectation.
Does Augustine believe time exists objectively?
He suggests that time does not exist independently but is experienced subjectively within the soul.
How can we understand past and future if they do not exist now?
Through memory and expectation, which are present experiences of past and future events.
Why is this understanding of time important spiritually?
It helps believers grasp the transient nature of earthly life and focus on the eternal present with God.
How should we speak about time according to Augustine?
We may use common terms like past, present, and future, but with the understanding that only the present truly exists.