Augustine says, (14:12) that the original sin pitted a person's will against their desires, and then a bit later that one is striving for a 'state of peace'. What does this mean about what is necessary to be a good person?
I think that it's important to note that God's order to not eat the fruit "was given at a time when desire was not yet in opposition to the will," and "that opposition came later as a result of the punishment of the transgression, according to Augustine (14:12). Regardless, humans must deal with this opposition between will and desire in the aftermath of Adam and Eve's original sin. Augustine's goal of a "state of peace" implies that humans must find a balance between will and desire. However, it seems like the author is recommending less of a balance and more of a predominance of a strong will over desire. He suggests that one's will is tainted by desire, mostly self-desire, and "diverted from [God's] love to follow its own pleasure" (14.13). Likewise, Augustine condemns man for being "too pleased with himself" and "[regarding] himself as his own light" (14.13). From this I gathered that being a good person means leaving behind desire, pride, and "self-worship," in order to follow the will of God (14.13). A line that I thought explained this pretty well was the following: "This then is the original evil: man regards himself as his own light, and turns away from that light which would make man himself a light if he would set his heart on it" (14.13). In other words, man may think he is a good person, but he will be even better (a.k.a. more God-like) if he follows God ("that light").
I agree that Augustine's "state of peace" is closer to possessing a strong will that overpowers one's desires than really having those desires given similar weight on the scale. The practical application of this seems difficult to achieve, though it gives prospective Christians the ability to know, at least in theory, the type of balance they are striving for. Moderation in worldly things, like the pursuit and preservation of power or money, is a theme that is present in the much of the Bible, but Augustine seems to offer a more accessible outline of desires that should be curbed in real life. I think the point you drew attention to that "man may think he is a good person" on his own gives Augustine more grounds on which his claims should be respected. Christians (like himself) who follow God will be better off than those who pursue their worldly, self-centered desires rather than behave with the will of God in mind.
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