The phenomenon of people condemning vices they have indulged in themselves already, and since given up. Inspired by the _Confessions_ of Augustine (417 CE), in which Augustine describes his career path and then denouces the things he did to get to where he is.
WHY IT'S BAD
With SAS, the perpetrator has received the BENEFITS of a particular vice. It could consist of sleeping one's way to the top, or lying a lot, or getting divorced, or indulging a vice until it gets tiresome. At that point the perpetrator makes a big display out of quitting the vice and condemning it publicly. It's like climbing a ladder out of a ditch and then pulling the ladder up so others can't get out of the ditch; and to add insult to injury, the perpetrator ridicules the desire to use the ladder.
Like other forms of hypocrisy, it's destructive because it enforces stupid social codes. If the social codes were right all along, then the perpetrator should not get off the hook for violating them, but, in effect, he gets praise for having done so (and having "kicked the habit"). If the codes were wrong, then they should be confronted . And finally, it's bad because it creates a meritocracy of bullshit.
WHY IT'S BAD
With SAS, the perpetrator has received the BENEFITS of a particular vice. It could consist of sleeping one's way to the top, or lying a lot, or getting divorced, or indulging a vice until it gets tiresome. At that point the perpetrator makes a big display out of quitting the vice and condemning it publicly. It's like climbing a ladder out of a ditch and then pulling the ladder up so others can't get out of the ditch; and to add insult to injury, the perpetrator ridicules the desire to use the ladder.
Like other forms of hypocrisy, it's destructive because it enforces stupid social codes. If the social codes were right all along, then the perpetrator should not get off the hook for violating them, but, in effect, he gets praise for having done so (and having "kicked the habit"). If the codes were wrong, then they should be confronted . And finally, it's bad because it creates a meritocracy of bullshit.
A good example of St Augustine's Syndrome is Doctor Laura Schlessinger, the evangelical talk radio host who climbed her way to the top, divorced, and then renounced feminism. Many putative sages are famous for having had, earlier in their lives, immense amounts of sex with numerous partners, only to renounce the ways of the flesh and denounced materialistic society.
by Abu Yahya March 21, 2010
Get the St Augustine's Syndrome mug.One of the most amazing cities on earth. St. Augustine is the oldest inhabited city in America, and regardless of what a lot of ignorant fools will tell you, you will have a blast and never want to leave. It is simply stunning, with beautiful beaches and so much more. It is probably the best city in Florida, and the ghost tour is amazing. All in all, it's just a stunning place to go, and there are so many things to do. You'll always want to come back, and you will never forget it.
by VacuumCalculator August 23, 2009
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Augustiner Bier: The finest of all Bavarian beers.
The Augustinerbräu München was established in 1328 and is the oldest brewery in Munich.
You can find it at the Oktoberfest and all around the year in Bavaria.
Also: August
The Augustinerbräu München was established in 1328 and is the oldest brewery in Munich.
You can find it at the Oktoberfest and all around the year in Bavaria.
Also: August
Augustiner is so much better than Löwenbräu. Only Hofbräuhaus is almost as good.
Tegernseer might be even better than Augustiner, but it's kinda hard to find if you're not in the Tegernsee area.
Let's have a Augustiner!
Tegernseer might be even better than Augustiner, but it's kinda hard to find if you're not in the Tegernsee area.
Let's have a Augustiner!
by Bier Snob April 6, 2011
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by Febarri November 4, 2019
Get the Agustin mug.Absolutely amazing city in Florida. Oldest city in the United States. Crazy amounts of history. The fact that it's so old/haunted makes it even more appealing. Tons of awesome things to do. The city has an abundant amount of quaint, novel shops. Tons of delicious places to eat. Also, along with Savannah, GA, St.Augustine is one of the most haunted cities in the US. I'm a Floridian, and my family takes weekend trips to this city at least 2 or 3 times a year. It NEVER gets old. Overall totally awesome, and one of my favorite places in Florida.
by tallulah20 May 20, 2011
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by Lawson.jared February 13, 2013
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by Bearus the Cat God November 14, 2019
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