Surely Goodness...and Philosophy? // Moriah Nelson
As I was reading through Books 1-3 of The Consolation of Philosophy by Boethius, I began to see a parallel to a topic Saint Augustine brought to light in his Confessions: goodness and pleasure. It felt like Augustine’s thoughts about pleasure was continued in a conversation with Boethius. With the Lady Philosophy, Boethius contemplates this idea of the true Good, blessedness, and pleasure.
This theme was most prevalent in Book Three where Boethius goes deeper with this train of thought:
“For if money or honors or the rest brought such a state that seemed to lack nothing good, then I, too, would confess that some men can become happy by acquiring them.” (Book 3, 3)
He later decides that none of these achievements can create true happiness, blessedness, or peace.
I remembered the Bible verse, Psalm 34:10,
“The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.”
Ultimately, Boethius and Lady Philosophy come to the conclusion that God is the true Good and blessedness and that mankind will never be satisfied apart from Him. I really loved that in the midst of his suffering, Boethius was able to arrive at a (mostly) Biblical realization of how God is good and completely the true Good all humanity desire to find.
Side note:
In Book Three, Lady Philosophy asks Boethius a question that made me think of Honors:
“Now do you want us to bring our ideas together into conflict?” She continued. “Perhaps from such a collision some beautiful spark of truth might fly forth.” (Book 3, 12)
I honestly didn’t expect to enjoy reading The Consolation of Philosophy by Boethius, but I was so surprised with how easy it was to read and comprehend this translation (and I actually enjoyed reading it after all).
I commented on Zelda and Madison's posts.
I love Boethius! The concepts he brings up are easy to understand but have the ability to spark deep thoughts. The idea of God being the Good which all men seek is truly biblical. In the Bible, we learn that men have been separated from God and yearn to get back. No amount of pleasures, no matter how 'good' they may be, can equate with God. Thus, all men seek happiness, but what they're really looking for is God.
ReplyDeleteI was not so sure about Boethius to begin with either, but you are so right! Boethius is a much easier and more enjoyable read! I love the comparison between the two that you pointed out! Both contemplated true goodness and both came to the conclusion that God is the only place to find them!
ReplyDeleteMadison Flowers
His concepts are (mostly) Biblical and have really grabbed my attention. Goodness and pleasure are so primitive and yet hold a firm grasp in our world. Outside of God, man will always feel empty or unfulfilled. The chief end of Man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. These lusts and desires are a puzzle piece being used to fill a bottomless abyss that only the creator of the universe can fill. The conversation between Boethius and Lady Philosophy is refreshing, not that Augustine got on my nerves, and brings a refreshing energy when I read. Great Post!
ReplyDeleteThat honors related quote was hilarious! And I love how you broke down what he said so effortlessly: it is often the most profound truth that is simple to understand. It is those who believe they are wiser and more intelligent that reject the most basic truths for the sake of creating a new vision.
ReplyDelete