The earthly city is driven by selfish desires from "summary" of City of God by Saint Augustine (of Hippo)
The earthly city, which is inhabited by those who live according to the flesh, is driven by selfish desires. These desires lead individuals to prioritize their own needs and wants above all else, seeking happiness and fulfillment in the pleasures of this world. They are consumed by a insatiable hunger for power, wealth, and fame, believing that these things will bring them lasting satisfaction and contentment. In their pursuit of selfish desires, the inhabitants of the earthly city are willing to do whatever it takes to achieve their goals, even if it means trampling over others or disregarding moral principles. They become slaves to their own passions, unable to see beyond their own narrow perspectives and desires. This leads to a society marked by conflict, greed, and moral decay, as individuals compete against each other in a never-ending struggle for dominance and superiority. The earthly city is characterized by a sense of impermanence and transience, as individuals constantly seek new sources of pleasure and gratification to fill the void within themselves. This insatiable thirst for worldly goods and pleasures only serves to further alienate individuals from each other, leading to a breakdown of relationships and community bonds. The pursuit of selfish desires ultimately leaves individuals feeling empty and unfulfilled, as they realize that material possessions and worldly pleasures can never satisfy the deepest longings of the human heart. In contrast, the heavenly city is driven by a higher purpose and a transcendent vision of the good. Its inhabitants seek to live according to the spirit, prioritizing love, justice, and compassion above all else. They recognize the inherent dignity and worth of every individual, striving to build a society based on mutual respect and cooperation. Unlike the earthly city, the heavenly city is characterized by a sense of harmony, peace, and unity, as individuals work together towards a common goal of achieving spiritual fulfillment and enlightenment.- The choice between the earthly city and the heavenly city represents a fundamental decision about the nature of human existence and the meaning of life. Those who are driven by selfish desires are doomed to an existence marked by suffering, alienation, and spiritual emptiness. In contrast, those who choose to align themselves with the higher principles of the heavenly city will find true happiness and fulfillment in a community characterized by love, justice, and peace.
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