Introduction
Boethius, the writer of ‘The Consolation of Philosophy’ was a Christian philosopher of the 6th century in Rome. It should be noted that, Boethius was executed by King Theodoric the Great; after being suspected to be conspiring with the Byzantine Empire. It can further be argued that his work ‘consolation of philosophy’; has been described as a significant one in the early rebirth of Christianity. It is of importance to note that, he wrote this book while in prison waiting to be tried and executed (Boethius 21-121).
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From the consolation of philosophy book it can be argued that, Boethius illustrated how evil can thrive in a world controlled and managed by God; and how happiness can be attained in the midst of indecisive luck. In this case, he considered God as the best friend when others have turned against you. Additionally, he stated that the wealthy people have no consideration towards the poor; hence there is no friendship between these two groups of people.
Based on this, an invisible being called Lady Philosophy acts as a friend who consoles Boethius in his disturbed mind. It is of importance to note that, Boethius considered philosophy as a friend when one is in trouble. From Boethius ideas it can be argued that, friendship is not watching someone suffer and not console him; as it can be seen with the case of the Muses. In this case it is well indicated that, when Lady Philosophy saw the Muses she was angered and called them; “hysterical sluts” who cannot cure Boethius’ sickness. From this it can be argued that friendship is about healing rather than lamenting.
It can further be argued that, philosophy is a good consoler as the lady in the poem represented philosophy. This can be evident from her statements; “are you not the man who was raised on my learning?” It should also be noted that, Boethius indicated that he had no friend in the political world, for his gravity and honesty. From this it can be said that, friendship is based on whether one does good or bad and not their wealth (Boethius 21-121).
On the other hand, Dante Alighieri was born at Florence in Italy where his family seemed to be hidden to participate in the civic struggles. It can be argued that, his views of friendship seem comparable to those of Boethius in that; he was too compassionate about the death of Beatrice his lover. From the banquet Dante indicated that, “all men desire knowledge”; meaning that knowledge or philosophy is the final perfection of human being’s souls, where final happiness is contained. In this case, this agrees with what was indicated by Boethius about philosophy as the best friend when one is in trouble.
In addition, it can be seen from the banquet that each man is naturally friendly to another one; hence one mourns for the fault of his loved one. From the statement; “blessed are those who eat at the table”, while, “wretched are those who can feed only as sheep”, help indicate about Dante that; those who are privileged mourn for the less privileged ones since there is friendship in every man. From this it can be argued that, Dante’s ideas of friendship contrasted with Boethius since Boethius indicated that; the wealthy people exploits the poor hence the lack of friendship among them. In this case it should be noted that because of the love which originates from God; every man has mercy upon another; hence does not want them to suffer (Yan 34-113).
Works cited
Boethius. “The Consolation of Philosophy”. New York: Dover Publications. (2002): P. 21-120.
Yan, Geling. “The Banquet Bug”. New York: Hyperion Publishers. (2006): P. 34-113.