Hominemne

Te
Esse
Meministi?
Are you mindful that you are a man?

Louie Jay Nasayao

Second Year – AB Philosophy

Fr. Tirso Gliponeo, SOLT

Instructor – Medieval Philosophy
 What does it feel like to be forgotten? Or conversely, have you ever experienced the

feeling of forgetting something very important, not knowing where or how to find it? Going to

places you've never been, tirelessly searching for what's been lost—it makes us seem foolish,

doesn't it? We become heedless of our actions because something else holds greater importance.

Have you ever dreamt of a man in an old, shabby prison cell awaiting his long-awaited

hour of execution? Maybe you've encountered similar situations and found yourself

sympathizing with that pitiful creature agonizing over a miserable fate. Perhaps he was waiting

for something—a kind of consolation, perhaps—to help him realize the life flashing before his

eyes.

Boethius’ Consolation of Philosophy is a philosophical dialogue that delved deeply into

realizing the importance of philosophy and the wise use of reason in one’s life. It tells the story

of Boethius, a man who forgets philosophy and ceases to rectify his actions due to a lack of self-

examination, being ruled by his passions. This work also introduces Lady Philosophy, an

allegory for human reason acting as his companion, aiding Boethius’ mental, psychological, and

spiritual needs throughout his wandering. This paper will examine important notes from

Boethius’ 'Consolation' and the comprehensive commentary of Antonio Donato.

In classical times, Consolation is made particularly to "alleviate, or heal the grief experienced by

those persons in certain conditions such as poverty, old age, sickness, death and like” 1, offering

further relief for those who also experience similar grief and pain. Its aim is not solely to offer

solace and peace to those in pain but to envisage that enduring sorrow is not the appropriate

response to the situation one endures. The author’s work presents a powerful reflection on

1
Donato, A. Self-examination and Consolation in Boethius “Consolation of Philosophy”. John Hopkins University Press (2013),
p. 398. Accessed on: November 8, 2023.
coping with and understanding one's reactions to emotions. Several scholars conclude that while

Boethius wrote this work, he was actually locked up inside his prison cell, awaiting execution.

In this effort, Antonio Donato explores a very comprehensive and detailed understanding

of the Consolation. He analyzes specific relevant issues concerning Boethius’, joining several

investigations that will adequately support his arguments. Initially, he tries to apprehend several

angles that display the author’s intentions in writing such a work. He reflects on whether it is a

reflection on the problems the author overcame, an examination of the author’s weaknesses, a

process to understand his humanity, a search for happiness, or if it is a form of self-examination

—a dialogue with his inner self in pursuit of discovering an antidote for Boethius' forgetfulness.

Thus, with the help of certain scholars such as Jean de Meun and her intuitions and

investigations, Donato finally hoists the backbone of his commentary. Journeying through this,

they realize that the author is in dialogue with himself, a manifestation in which he was dissects

and explores the philosophical elements, arguments, and themes presented within Boethius' text,

until Lady Philosophy was introduced—a path to attaining wisdom that allows men to be in a

condition of safety.

Beginning in the first book, Lady Philosophy acts as a wise intellectual physician for

Boethius, helping him remember and affirming that he is “not an ordinary man but a man

dedicated to the study of philosophy.” 2 To convince him, she provided him a litany of

philosophers substantiated in Augustine’s Soliloquia and Romance of the Rose, Epictetus’

Handbook, Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations, and Seneca’s Letters3, an exacting proof of her

effectiveness in addressing the issues concerning Boethius’ life. She even equips Boethius with

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.
weapons for use, providing strength and protection in times of trials, and a nurturing milk to be

active and virile—philosophy itself to fortify him, an advantage to those individuals ignorant of

it, as Lady Philosophy further consoles him. Boethius, the man who forgets philosophy, is

likened to an exiled man. While a man is within the city, he is protected within the walls of

reason. However, as he abandons reason, he loses protection and exposes himself to the wolves

of his passions, the mocking hyenas of ignorance, and the scavengers of emotions, all waiting for

the death of his goals. His actions make him realize that ultimate happiness cannot be 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.

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 physician of his soul, 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

remembering past sources of happiness and positive experiences he previously had, such as

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 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. They act 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.

From a psychological standpoint, one may perceive Lady Philosophy as a physician

aiding a patient, as described by Boethius, seeking healing from a disease known as lethargy.

Only through this physician's guidance can one perhaps attain a chance at a cure. However, when

considering feelings of grief and pain alongside their natural responses, are we not depriving

ourselves of our innate inclinations by relying solely on philosophy? Does the use of philosophy

truly console a grieving person in a manner applicable and suited to their needs, or does it guide

one toward happiness through various therapeutic techniques?

In the realm of Literature, the bond between Boethius and Lady Philosophy unravels like

a captivating fairy tale, weaving a tale of tragic romance, yearning for an elusive but imperative
happy resolution. Envision a lover, deeply devoted, endeavoring to mend the severe amnesia that

clouds the essence of their shared past. In this narrative, the lover sacrifices everything, facing

insurmountable trials, all in a fervent pursuit to reignite within their beloved 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