City of God
Book IX
Chapter 11
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City of God
Translated by Marcus Dods
Book IX
Chapter 11
He says, indeed, that the souls of men are demons, and that men become Lares if they are good, Lemures or Larvæ if they are bad, and Manes if it is uncertain whether they deserve well or ill. Who does not see at a glance that this is a mere whirlpool sucking men to moral destruction? For, however wicked men have been, if they suppose they shall become Larvæ or divine Manes, they will become the worse the more love they have for inflicting injury; for, as the Larvæ are hurtful demons made out of wicked men, these men must suppose that after death they will be invoked with sacrifices and divine honors that they may inflict injuries. But this question we must not pursue. He also states that the blessed are called in Greek ευδαιμονες, because they are good souls, that is to say, good demons, confirming his opinion that the souls of men are demons.
 Book IX Chapter 10 |
 Book IX Chapter 12 |