"Seek what you seek, but it is not where you seek it. You seek happiness of life in the land of death, and it is not there. For how shall there be happiness of life where there is no life?"

We established that this appears to be the central dogma of this book, which truly portrays why Augustine's actions are as scrutinized as they are. Throughout Confessions, Augustine seeks pleasure and truth in the wrong places, whether they be in vanity or in superficial things such as lust (often misconstrued with love). The "happiness of life" which Augustine so treasures and struggles so strongly to attain is not in these temporal places, however, they are found only in a true union with the Lord. Augustine realizes this yet is distracted his earthly desires and urges. Through ignoring the temporal truths that he finds in satisfying his desires, he can attain to a sincere relationship with God and therefore put his woes to rest and Augustine will find the happiness of life.