Chapter 108 — Of the error of seeking happiness in creatures

Clearly, therefore, they are in error who seek happiness in various things outside of God. Some seek it in carnal pleasures, which are common to man and brute animals. Others in wealth, which is rightly directed to the sustenance of those who have such possessions, and is an end common to every created being. Others look to power, which is ordained to the communication of one’s own perfection to others; this, too, we said, is common to all beings. Yet others seek it in honors or reputation, which are due to a person because of the end he has already reached, or because of the noble dispositions which equip him to reach an end. Nor is it the knowledge of any created things whatever, even though they may be far above man; for man’s desire comes to rest in the knowledge of God alone.