Who is it? | Philosopher, Theologian, Statesman |
Birth Place | Rome, Ancient Roman |
Died On | Pavia, Ostrogothic Kingdom |
Notable work | The Consolation of Philosophy |
Era | Medieval philosophy |
Region | Western philosophy |
School | Neoplatonism |
Main interests | problem of universals, theology, music |
Notable ideas | The Wheel of Fortune |
Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church Eastern Orthodox Church |
Major shrine | San Pietro in Ciel d'Oro, Pavia, Italy |
Feast | 23 October |
Influences | Augustine of Hippo |
Influenced | Thomas Aquinas |
Anicius Manlius Severinus Boethius, widely recognized as a prominent philosopher, theologian, and statesman in ancient Rome, is speculated to have a net worth ranging from $100,000 to $1 million, projected for the year 2024. Boethius contributed immensely to Roman intellectual and political affairs, leaving a lasting impact on society. His philosophical works, particularly the influential "Consolation of Philosophy," cemented his reputation as a visionary thinker. Boethius's significant contributions during his lifetime have undoubtedly contributed to his notable net worth estimation in the coming years.
Now if thy mental eye conducted be
From light to light, as I resound their frame,
The eighth well worth attention thou wilt see.
The soul who pointed out the world's dark ways,
To all who listen, its deceits unfolding.
Beneath in Cieldauro lies the frame
Whence it was driven; -from woe and exile, to
This fair abode of peace and bliss it came.
Boethius is recognized as a martyr for the Catholic faith by the Roman Martyrology, though to Watkins "his status as martyr is dubious". His cult is held in Pavia, where Boethius's status as a saint was confirmed in 1883, and in the Church of Santa Maria in Portico in Rome. His feast day is 23 October. Pope Benedict XVI explained the relevance of Boethius to modern day Christians by linking his teachings to an understanding of Providence. He is also venerated in the Eastern Orthodox Church.
His completed translations of Aristotle's works on logic were the only significant portions of Aristotle available in Latin Christendom from the sixth century until the 12th century. However, some of his translations (such as his treatment of the topoi in The Topics) were mixed with his own commentary, which reflected both Aristotelian and Platonic concepts.
In De musica I.2, Boethius describes 'musica instrumentis' as music produced by something under tension (e.g. strings), by wind (e.g. aulos), by water, or by percussion (e.g. cymbals). Boethius himself doesn't use the term 'instrumentalis', which was used by Adalbold II of Utrecht (975–1026) in his Epistola cum tractatu. The term is much more Common in the 13th century and later. It is also in these later texts that musica instrumentalis is firmly associated with audible music in general, including vocal music. Scholars have traditionally assumed that Boethius also made this connection, possibly under the header of wind instruments ("administratur ... aut spiritu ut tibiis" ), but Boethius himself never writes about "instrumentalis" as separate from "instrumentis" explicitly in his very brief description.
Parts of the work are reminiscent of the Socratic method of Plato's dialogues, as the spirit of philosophy questions Boethius and challenges his emotional reactions to adversity. The work was translated into Old English by King Alfred, although Alfred's authorship of this Old English translation has recently been questioned, and into later English by Chaucer and Queen Elizabeth. Many manuscripts survive and it was extensively edited, translated and printed throughout Europe from the 14th century onwards. Many commentaries on it were compiled, and it has been one of the most influential books in European culture. No complete bibliography has ever been assembled, but it would run into thousands of items.
Several manuscripts survived and these were widely edited, translated and printed throughout the late 15th century and later in Europe. Beyond Consolation of Philosophy, his lifelong project was a deliberate attempt to preserve ancient classical knowledge, particularly philosophy. Boethius intended to translate all the works of Aristotle and Plato from the original Greek into Latin.