A

PHILOSOPHER

forgets
PHILOSOPHY!
ᴥ
A partial fulfillment for
A requirement on
FINALS: Introduction of Medieval Philosophy

LOUIE JAY NASAYAO

loved one, becoming the healthiest reaction to unbearable pain. When this unhappiness

overwhelms one’s soul, no words can offer solace. How does the depth of distress in the

lamenting soul differ from one who eagerly awaits their hour of death? In this paper, I delve into

Antonio Donato's commentary, exploring a comprehensive understanding of 'The Consolation of

Philosophy,' aiming to employ interpretations and critiques alongside his work. This

philosophical essay tackles one of the most controversial and relevant Christian philosophers

from the Middle Ages, Boethius, and his pursuit of happiness, alongside his contemporaries like

Pope Saint Gregory the Great, Cassiodorus, and Justinian I.

Boethius’ Consolation of Philosophy presents a philosophical dialogue emphasizing the

importance of philosophy and the wise use of reason in achieving happiness. In classical times,

Consolation aimed to alleviate the grief experienced by those facing conditions such as poverty,

old age, sickness, or death, offering relief for those undergoing similar suffering 1. Its aim wasn’t

solely to offer solace but to prompt an understanding that enduring sorrow isn’t the suitable

response to one's situation. The author’s work reflects profoundly on coping with and

comprehending one's emotional reactions. Several authors concluded that while Boethius wrote

his work, he was in a prison cell awaiting execution. This context reveals Boethius facing his

own demons, triumphing over himself. Antonio Donato observes a familiar grief akin to a person

experiencing near-death dilemmas. A philosopher forgets philosophy! A person expected to be

guided by reason becomes overpowered by passions. This shifts the focus to the protagonist of

the Consolation, Boethius, and his mentor, Lady Philosophy. Antonio Donato analyzes specific

issues concerning Boethius’ life, supporting his arguments with various investigations. Initially,

1
Donato, A. Self-examination and Consolation in Boethius “Consolation of Philosophy”. John Hopkins University Press (2013),
p. 398. Accessed on: November 8, 2023.
he attempts to understand the author’s intentions in writing such a work, whether it's a reflection

on the problems overcome, an examination of weaknesses, an exploration of humanness, a

search for happiness, or a form of self-examination—a dialogue with his inner self in pursuit of

an antidote for Boethius' forgetfulness.

With the aid of scholars like Jean de Meun and their insights, Donato establishes the backbone of

his commentary. He reveals the author in dialogue with himself, dissecting and exploring the

philosophical elements, arguments, and themes presented within Boethius' text, until Lady

Philosophy is introduced as a path to wisdom, ensuring safety.

Lady Philosophy acts as an intellectual physician for Boethius, reminding him that he is 'not an

ordinary man but a man dedicated to the study of philosophy2. To convince him, she offers a

litany of philosophers from Augustine’s Soliloquia and Romance of the Rose, Epictetus’

Handbook, Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations, and Seneca’s Letters3, affirming her effectiveness in

addressing Boethius’ life's issues. She equips Boethius with weapons, providing strength and

protection during trials and nurturing him with philosophy itself. Boethius, forgetting

philosophy, is likened to an exiled man. Within the city, he's protected by reason's walls, yet as

he abandons reason, he loses protection and exposes himself to the wolves of passion, the

mocking hyenas of ignorance, and the scavengers of emotions, all awaiting the death of his

goals. His actions make him realize that ultimate happiness isn’t found through the enjoyment of

external goods but rather through seeking union with God. Lady Philosophy attempts to comfort

Boethius using several methods to help him recognize the ideals of philosophy.

2
Cons. 1.3.4 - 6;1.5. 5-6
3
Donato, A. Self-examination and Consolation in Boethius “Consolation of Philosophy”. John Hopkins University Press (2013),
p. 400. Accessed on: November 23, 2023.
During our deepest moments of grief, it is almost impossible to subject oneself to reason. We

would witness individuals soaking in the tears of their pains and regrets. This may be Boethius’

primary issue, one that Lady Philosophy aims to address. She expresses his lack of mindfulness

towards the practices of philosophy that previously shaped his humanity. In medical terms,

lethargy, a known disease in the Roman world, signifies the incapacity to be mindful of the truth.

This infection, stemming from the verb obliviscor, which means 'to forget,' is often provoked by

a mountain of dominating emotions. The antidote to this lack of mindfulness can only be found

in taking the elixir of Memini, practically translated as 'to remember' – a cure to be mindful, to

pay heed to the teachings of philosophy, and put them into action.

As Boethius journeys towards embracing Memini, he encounters two roads guarded by two

keepers: Lady Felicitas (‘being fortunate’) guarding the path to acquire a large amount of

external goods, and Beatitudo (‘real happiness’) holding the golden key to genuine happiness –

the path of virtues. Eventually, Boethius will tread the path guided by the guardian Beatitudo.

Along this path, his guardian will teach him to examine his conscience, reflecting on how he

behaves in accordance with philosophy’s teachings amidst the attacks of the Muses of poetry.

This will prompt Lady Philosophy to employ strategies, therapeutic as they are, to help

accomplish this.

Now, with Lady Philosophy becoming the personal physician, they explore various ways to

attain the consolation Boethius longs for. The initial stage involves detaching him from his

emotions, unburdening himself from distress, making him realize the need for a healer, and

fostering trust in her throughout the process. Here, Lady Philosophy deploys different strategies

to restore Boethius to his original self as a man of philosophy. She also attempts leniora remedia,

a spiritual approach and an Epicurean strategy of consolation, focusing on pleasure and

privileges and honors. As the man who forgets begins to feel improvement of his health, Lady

Philosophy still utilizes rhetorical tools to aid in his healing process. The use of myths, images,

quotes, literary suggestions, and exempla, that are most likely dear to the author, are applied for

his healing.

This disease remains profoundly relevant in today’s generation. In the era of technological

advancement, its influence diffuses from person to person, infecting minds across the spectrum -

from political leaders, philosophers, scientists, and influential personalities up to the ordinary

individual, all seemingly forgetting how to act according to reason. Governments, meant to

embody wise and proficient use of reason, neglect their obligations and responsibilities. Their

purpose in society becomes blurred and shrouded, prioritizing personal gain by pocketing funds

earned through the toil of the people, their sweat and blood acting mindlessly, driven by their

passions and vices, consumed by greed for wealth.

The youth of today, blinded by material possessions and matters of the heart, find solace in the

guidance of Lady Philosophy. Her counsel is pivotal in aiding these lost souls wandering in the

darkness of their inner selves, ensnared by false ideals of beauty and order, trapped in the

artificial and fleeting. Through the unwavering perseverance of Lady Philosophy, today's youth

may find hope for improvement and realignment of their goals and standards, leading them away

from darkness and towards the light of reason.

In Boethius’ Consolation, Lady Philosophy is not depicted as a divine creature, yet she radiates

an impression of divinity. Viewing her actions in the light of faith, Consolation becomes a

productive dialogue for a weakened soul seeking solace in the Heart of God. God provides

whatever is needed, even employing prose and poetry to beckon the lost soul back into the Light.
A devout soul may falter and forget God momentarily, succumbing to inordinate desires and the

passions of the soul that call out in the dark. However, as Lady Philosophy portrays, God

tirelessly works to bring them back, to remind them of the brilliance of the Light and the love of

their Divine Healer - the Physician of the soul.

In the realm of Literature, the bond between Boethius and Lady Philosophy unfolds akin to a

children’s fairy tale, weaving a tapestry of tragic romance, yearning for an elusive but imperative

happy resolution. Picture a lover, deeply devoted, striving to mend his beloved's affliction, a

severe amnesia that shrouds the essence of their shared past. In this narrative, the lover

surrenders everything, braves insurmountable trials, all in a fervent quest to rekindle within the

cherished one the memory of their profound love.

Throughout all this, the healing remains indefinite. No matter how profound the faith, how

benevolent God may be, or how skilled the physician, certainty of the patient's recovery eludes

us. This suggests that perhaps the various attempts to help the patient remember their identity are

not inherently sufficient. We cannot ascertain whether the efforts of Lady Philosophy amount to

success or failure. Yet truly, the advantage is on studying and on exhausting essentially

philosophy. Through Boethius’ Consolation, he displays a proof of attaining happiness in the

persistent reminder of another. Philosophy truly employs its gist in this work and carried its

prominence in solving the problems of Boethius. True, indeed, that it is not enough. Yet because

of its extensive and creative use of therapeutic materials in resolution to the dilemma. This

inspires us, philosophers of this time, that philosophy is not found and stay in the books. It is

therefore used every day wisely and seriously by those people who do not forget it in exchange

for external enticements, of the passions of the soul but rather through those people who

willingly appreciate its use. Finally, philosophy is meant for sharing. It should not remain in the
library for dusting. Philosophy is here and now, and its beholders are in this age, not in Boethius’

time.