St Augustine walked a long and winding road from violence and gratification to virtue and veneration. He wrote one of the first surviving autobiographies that also recorded his scientific approach to understanding religion and humanity with our flaws whilst exploring the philosophy of fulfilment. Journey inside the mind of one of history’s most influential thinkers. In this psychology and self-improvement-focused episode, we’re unpacking the first autobiography ever written – the Confessions of St. Augustine. In this episode we explore the landmark autobiography “Confessions” by St. Augustine, braiding philosophical insights across a dramatic life story arc. Journey through profound realizations about memory, learning, time, astrology, friendship formed through shared misdeeds, and the innate darkness within humanity. See how misguided faith gave way to an abiding wisdom we still reference today.” - - - On the growth mindset podcast with Sam Webster Harris, we explore the psychology of happiness, satisfaction, purpose, and growth through the lens of self-improvement. Success and happiness is a state of mind unique to ourselves and is our responsibility to create. Through a process of honest self-reflection of what is holding us back and what is driving us forward, we can lose the ego and build awareness of how to be the best we can be. - - - Connect with Sam: Sam's newsletter on creativity - Explosive Thinking Watch the pod - YouTube (Growth Mindset) Twitter - @samjamharris Instagram - @SamJam.zen Youtube - @Samjam - - - Show: Growth Mindset, psychology of self-improvement Episode: Open Minded Testing of Principles to Live By Chapters: 0:00 Curiosity Fuels the Quest for Truth 02:27 Overview on the Confessions of Saint Augustine 05:22 Ancient philosophies answering basic questions 06:27 St. Augustine's early childhood 10:34 Astrology's limit 12:09 Augustine's teenage years 14:22 Nature vs. Nurture 17:53 Ancient Understanding on Memory 19:34 Send off Topics St. Augustine The Confessions Stoicism Self improvement Humans Natural Flaw Overcoming Sinfulness Living in the Present Short-term Gratification Memory Astrology Curiosity Attraction of Faith an Happiness Spirituality Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.