It is vital to recognize that other people base their decisions and beliefs upon what is best for themselves given their own unique situations and that each man has his own views, beliefs, and paradigms of the world. What proves to be good for one man may prove disastrous for another. For this reason, only the individual is able to decide the best course of action for each situation faced in life. Throughout history mankind has continually built upon and expanded the knowledge gained from its predecessors, but it is an individual's responsibility to put this knowledge to practical use. You may depend upon other people, books, or even God for knowledge, but this understanding must then be applied in the way that is most beneficial under your current circumstances; and that is something that only you are able to determine.
Augustine, in contrast, believes that humans are by nature sinful and flawed and that human reasoning is futile and falls short of that which is required for a good and proper life. For these reasons he would point out that one should not attempt to make important decisions for his or her self, but rather should turn to God for guidance. Human knowledge reflects God's understanding in much the same way that the physical world reflects the Platonic world of true forms; it is flawed yet carries a certain degree of significance and truth. Augustine's view that "if you are your own boss you are ipso facto your own slave" is true to a certain extent, but this merely provides a system of checks and balances and does not work to limit our ability. Humans are composed of two distinct elements, a body and a soul, and it is important that these two pieces work together towards the ultimate good. For example, when the body requires nourishment certain intellectual pursuits may have to be temporarily pushed aside. Similarly, the soul also has to hold the body in bondage at times in order to overcome irrational physical desires and motivations.
