Single Idea 22978

[catalogued under 15. Nature of Minds / A. Nature of Mind / 6. Anti-Individualism]

Full Idea

The memory is a vast immeasurable sanctuary. It is part of my nature, but I cannot understand all that I am. Hence the mind is too narrow to contain itself entirely. Is the other part outside of itself, and not within it? How then can it be a part?

Gist of Idea

Memory is so vast that I cannot recognise it as part of my mind

Source

Augustine (Confessions [c.398], X.08)

Book Reference

Augustine: 'Confessions', ed/tr. Pine-Coffin,R.S. [Penguin 1961], p.216


A Reaction

He seems to understand the mind as entirely consisting of consciousness. Nevertheless, this seems to be the first inklings of the modern externalist view of the mind.