"Don't you believe that there is in man a deep so profound as to be hidden even to him in whom it is?"

Saint Augustine reflects on the mysterious depths within the human soul, suggesting that every person contains layers of self so deeply concealed that even the individual remains unaware of their existence. This idea challenges the assumption that introspection or self-awareness can reveal all aspects of a person’s inner life. Augustine’s belief implies that the human spirit holds secrets and complexities that are not immediately accessible, even through deliberate contemplation or self-examination.

This profound depth within a person points to the enigmatic nature of human consciousness and identity. It suggests that beneath our thoughts, emotions, and conscious motivations, there are dimensions of being that influence, shape, and perhaps even direct our lives silently. These hidden depths may consist of subconscious desires, forgotten memories, or unarticulated longings—portions of the self shaped by experience, history, or the divine, which escape our conscious grasp.

Moreover, Augustine’s words evoke humility in the pursuit of self-knowledge. He recognizes the limits of human understanding, proposing that the soul's true nature may remain at least partially concealed, even from the one who possesses it. This uncharted inner territory could be interpreted as the space where divine mystery resides, aligning with Augustine’s broader spiritual teachings that ultimate self-understanding can be attained not only through introspection but is also dependent on God’s grace and revelation.

The passage raises questions about freedom, responsibility, and the potential for transformation. If parts of ourselves escape awareness, then self-growth and spiritual development require openness not only to what we know, but also to the unknown within us. Augustine’s insight encourages patience, compassion, and ongoing curiosity toward oneself and others, acknowledging that every human being is shaped by unseen depths deserving of respect and wonder.

In essence, Augustine affirms the profound mystery of the human soul, challenging us to accept that our innermost being is infinitely rich and, at times, inaccessible even to ourselves.