Citing specific textual evidence from The Depravity of Human Nature from Saint Augustine's Confessions, what leads him to the conclusion that mankind is depraved and sinful, and do you think that Augustine's outlook on human nature was affected the historical context in which he was living? If so, how so, and if not, why not?

Saint Augustine concludes that society is depraved and sinful because individuals cling to wrong and evil beliefs, in addition to surrendering lust, ambition and turning away from the scriptures and what is right before God.

I do not believe that Saint Augustine's perspective has affected the historical context in which he lived, because the perspective that he presents is more focused on self-analysis, where he bases his worldview with himself as the main representative.

Explanation:

"Confessions" by Saint Augustine is an autobiographical book, in which the author observes himself and reports his sins as a confession to God, in order to achieve his benevolence and forgiveness. In this book, Augustine uses himself to report a depraved and sinful nature, he reveals that he trusted false beliefs, put God in the background, moved away from the scriptures, joined the evil one and even gave himself up to lust. He also recounts his conversion and all the philosophies he adopted before that.