About the Latin
Augustine's writing on memory is introspective and abstract, with long, balanced sentences and a lot of theological vocabulary. It is a text to read slowly.
The subject, how a mind stores and retrieves its own past, is one that many readers find easy to follow even when the sentences are not.
How hard is it?
Difficulty 8.0, advanced.
Every reading in the library has a difficulty score, on a scale that runs from about 1 to 11. Beginner texts sit below 3.5 and Advanced texts above 6.8.
Most demanding here: Sentence length, Subordination. Lighter than most of the library: Vocabulary variety, Proper names.
What you can read
The reading, each with help on every word.
Librorum Capsula currently offers one selection on memory, drawn from the Confessions, De Trinitate and De Genesi ad litteram.
Augustinus de Memoria
Augustine explores the astonishing reach of memory—its images, hidden chambers, powers, and limits—as he searches the mind for knowledge of himself and of God.
Where to start
Augustinus de Memoria
It is the only Augustine in the catalog so far. Open it and the reader gives you the Latin with a definition for every word, so you can read at the pace that suits you and look up only what you need.
Start reading