Confessions - Book XI - Chapter Xxiv
St. Augustine explores the nature of time, distinguishing it from physical motion and emphasizing its measurement as a concept beyond mere bodily movement.
In this profound teaching from Confessions Book XI, Chapter XXIV, St. Augustine delves into the philosophical and theological understanding of time. He challenges the common notion that time is simply the motion of a body, offering a nuanced explanation of how time is measured and perceived. Augustine's insights invite listeners to reflect on the nature of temporal reality beyond physical movement.
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31. Dost thou command that I should agree if anyone says that time is \"the motion of a body\"? Thou dost not so command. For I hear that no body is moved but in time; this thou tellest me. But that the motion of a body itself is time I do not hear; thou dost not say so. For when a body is moved, I measure by time how long it was moving from the time when it began to be moved until it stopped. And if I did not see when it began to be moved, and if it continued to move so that I could not see when it stopped, I could not measure the movement, except from the time when I began to see it until I stopped. But if I look at it for a long time, I can affirm only that the time is long but not how long it may be. This is because when we say, \"How long?\", we are speaking comparatively as: \"This is as long as that,\" or, \"This is twice as long as that\"; or other such similar ratios. But if we were able to observe the point in space where and from which the body, which is moved, comes and the point to which it is moved; or if we can observe its parts moving as in a wheel, we can say how long the movement of the body took or the movement of its parts from this place to that. Since, therefore, the motion of a body is one thing, and the norm by which we measure how long it takes is another thing, we cannot see which of these two is to be called time. For, although a body is sometimes moved and sometimes stands still, we measure not only its motion but also its rest as well; and both by time! Thus we say, \"It stood still as long as it moved,\" or, \"It stood still twice or three times as long as it moved\"--or any other ratio which our measuring has either determined or imagined, either roughly or precisely, according to our custom. Therefore, time is not the motion of a body.
Sermon Outline
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I. Introduction to Time and Motion
- Common understanding of time as motion
- Distinction between motion and time
- Challenges in defining time by physical movement
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II. Measurement of Motion and Time
- Observing motion to measure duration
- Limitations of perception in measuring motion
- Use of comparative ratios in understanding time
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III. Conceptual Distinction of Time
- Time as separate from physical motion
- Measurement of rest and motion by time
- Implications for understanding temporal reality
Key Quotes
“For when a body is moved, I measure by time how long it was moving from the time when it began to be moved until it stopped.” — St. Augustine
“Since, therefore, the motion of a body is one thing, and the norm by which we measure how long it takes is another thing, we cannot see which of these two is to be called time.” — St. Augustine
“Therefore, time is not the motion of a body.” — St. Augustine
Application Points
- Reflect on the distinction between physical events and the concept of time in daily life.
- Use the understanding of time as a measure to appreciate moments of rest and activity.
- Recognize the limits of human perception in grasping abstract concepts like time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does St. Augustine equate time with the motion of a body?
No, he argues that time is not the motion of a body but a distinct concept used to measure motion and rest.
How does Augustine explain measuring time?
He explains that time is measured by observing motion and rest comparatively, using ratios rather than direct physical movement.
Why can't time be defined solely by motion?
Because motion requires time to be measured, and time also measures rest, making it a separate entity from motion itself.
What is the significance of understanding time apart from motion?
It helps clarify the nature of temporal reality and the limits of human perception in grasping time.