In contrast with some modern definitions of self, Augustine sees the self as being open to a

relationship with God. He has two ways of conceptualising the self as radically oriented to God,
namely self-presentation and self-realisation. Augustine’s own life experience led him to the
realisation that in our innermost selves, we were made for God and that nothing less than God can
fulfil the human soul. Aquinas takes this further and sees self-knowledge as a lifelong quest.

Knowledge of our selves is primarily an innermost thing, but through our interaction with the
external world we learn more about ourselves.