Boethius Book Club, Episode 5: On the Consolation of Philosophy
The book is the classic written by our inspiration and patron, Boethius: On the Consolation of Philosophy. For well over 1000 years, this book—the reflections of a condemned man on what makes life worth living—was required reading for anyone who pretended to the smallest degree of literacy. It was translated by two English monarchs (Alfred and Elizabeth I) and represented the introduction to philosophy that people in the Medieval period received. It is that rare gift of literature—a profound book addressed not to specialists and geniuses but to everyday men and women.
As luck would have it, our discussion will take place on the eve of the feast day of Saint Severinus, the name under which the philosopher and statesman Anicius Manlius Severinus Boethius is honored.
There are many editions and translations available both in print and online. There are several free Kindle editions, for example, and inexpensive paperbacks from Oxford, Ignatius, and Penguin. (Used copies of the Penguin edition are available on Abebooks.com for only $3.38 with free shipping.) I’ll be using the bilingual Loeb text.
Recorded: October 22, 2015
Original Air Date: July 30, 2016
Show Run Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Show Guest(s): Dr. Thomas Fleming
Show Host(s): James Easton
Boethius Book Club℗ is a Production of the Fleming Foundation. Copyright 2016. All Rights are Reserved.
I have not read any of Boethius’s books. For many years I relied on the wisdom of a self help group. After many years I find myself in a position of having to go back, not necessarily because of others actions but because of my response in which I could be entirely mistaken. To read something like this is very worthwhile. However, without the support of others and letting go and letting God it is difficult. Letting go, letting God and discovering my own virtues is far better. Thank you for the presentation. I will consider adding Boethius to my reading list.