Book X Summary and Analysis

Augustine asks himself why he makes and publishes his confession. It is important to Augustine for the public to know what he once was and what he is now after his Christian conversion. Augustine makes this confession so he can share his thoughts, especially now that his is converted, with his brother and sisters in faith, in his time and all times after. Augustine asks, what does it mean to love God? He wonders if it is the connection of the inner light of one's soul to God, the maker of everything.

Augustine then looks at the power of memory. He can remember his life and thoughts, his actions, and his attitude about his life. Augustine remembers all the sciences, grammar, and rhetoric that he learned. Memory is beyond mere memory of sensory impressions and bodily touch; it is...