what is the significance of augustine's year of idleness in the church's teaching?

This "year of idleness" is Augustine at age sixteen. Because his parents were financially "straightened," he was able to take leisure. However this is the opposite of a good thing, from his perspective. Idleness is a sin in the Christian tradition (Proverbs 19), and it results in a steady decline in humanness and self-absorption. This is especially evident in Augustine's deep reflection upon his stealing pears.