In the third chapter, I follow Augustine’s psychagogic argument through the first half of City of God, finding that books 1--9 in particular are constituted by Augustine’s attempt to undercut ever more compelling, but similarly premature solutions to the problems generated by amor sui. Beginning with the promises offered by civilization, I trace the challenges Augustine makes to Roman consuetudo (custom) and its ability to yield just politics. Turning to his treatment of the philosopher-statesmen, I show that these, too, are incapable of undoing the political damage done by the earthly city, willing as they are to endorse falsehoods for the sake of political stability. Finally, I turn to Augustine’s treatment of the philosopher, wherein he argues that no one can cultivate a just soul independent of God’s help, only an impassible one. Ultimately, I argue, Augustine leaves his readers with no way to solve the problem of amor sui on their own. Sealing them in at all sides, Augustine points to one way out: through the Mediator.