The Consolation of Philosophy | Boethius
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- čas přidán 18. 02. 2022
- Life can be unpredictable - how can we meet challenging events? Boethius points the way.
Christine Lambie speaks about Boethius who was born around 480AD. He was a very successful scholar and politician. In 522 his two sons were appointed joint consuls. But then things went downhill for Boethius; he was arrested by King Theodoric for treason, exiled to Pavia and a year later was executed.
Boethius is best known for his final work, The Consolation of Philosophy. It begins with him lamenting his fate when he becomes aware of an awesome woman standing over him, the personification of Philosophy. The work is a dialogue between Boethius and Lady Philosophy, written in prose and verse.
Philosophy chases away the Muses who are fanning Boethius' self pity. Then she starts applying remedies, initially by explaining about the goddess Fortuna who turns her wheel.
Further on, in Book 2, Philosophy says:
"Love governs lands and seas alike,
Love orders too the heavens above.
Should love once slacken its tight rein
And cease to order near and far,
The mutual love which all things show
Will in a moment turn to war…
Such love embraces nations, too;
In hallowed pacts it them combines.
With chaste affections man and wife
In solemn wedlock it entwines.
Love’s laws most trusty comrades bind.
How happy is the human race,
If Love, by which the heavens are ruled,
To rule men’s minds is set in place!"
The Consolation of Philosophy goes on in later chapters in the style of a Platonic dialogue.
In the School, we explore and digest the heritage of philosophy, as part of building inner resources. Good material can give us strength. For Boethius, Philosophy was his chief and final solace in life.
The School of Philosophy and Economic Science offers courses in practical philosophy and economics with justice as well as other subjects. It aims to approach philosophy in a practical way, encouraging students to apply philosophy in their lives. The School also introduces a mindfulness-type exercise leading eventually to mantra meditation.
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#boethius #consolationofphilosophy #love #practicalphilosophy #spirituality #philosophy
You may also find this video relates to: medieval wisdom, stoicism, neoplatonism, Plato, antiquity, Roman philosophy, inner resources, challenges,
Thanks for watching! Are you already familiar with Boethius? Leave us a comment.
Thoroughly enjoyable talk and introduction to Boethius. I knew him by name, but little else, before watching this. Now adding him to my ever-growing "to read" list! Thank you 🙏🏻
Thank you for your comment. We are delighted that the talk has further stimulated your interest in Boethius :)
I accidentally found your video.. Your soothing voice and welcoming demeanor pulled me in and now i want to read the book … or should I say, I want you to read me the book 😂 thank you!
That's so funny 😂 Glad you enjoyed it. And we hope you'll watch some more of our videos.
Thank you,
Happy you enjoyed it!
I really enjoyed this video, thank you! Inspiring thoughts and precise, beautifully listenable speech.😊
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching.
Interesting introduction 😊
Thanks, glad you liked it!
Thanks for the video ❤🇺🇸🇬🇧👍💪
Thanks so much for this great comment - sometimes emojis say it all!
Thank you
We are happy you enjoyed it.
Thanks for posting this. Decades ago, when I had to undergo surgery, I took the 'Consolation' with me to the hospital. I had read it before in college, but this time it spoke directly to my condition. // Which translation are you quoting in this video? I'm not familiar with it and I like the way the translator use rhyme.
Thanks Xenocrates for your comment. Yes it really can be a Consolation to read. This was using the Oxford World's Classics publication in paperback, with P G Walsh's translation, first published in 2000, reissued 2008. We found it a great improvement on an earlier version, especially with the verse passages.