At the heart of the human condition lies an enduring question: how can we find consolation amidst the suffering of human life?
In this lecture,
The Nature of Consolation,
Dr Stephen Blackwood, co-founder and President of Ralston College, will explore this profound theme through the lens of Boethius’s
Consolation of Philosophy—a text written under the shadow of death, and which has been a perennial source of consolation and illumination for more than a thousand years.
We will delve into Boethius’s masterful dialogue between the imprisoned author and Lady Philosophy, examining how it serves not only as a source of solace but also as a profound inquiry into the nature of wisdom, justice, and ultimate meaning. This will lead us to consider both the fundamental nature of consolation and particular forms of consolation that invite reflection, provide illumination, and remind us of what is timeless amidst the ephemeral.
By situating Boethius within the broader tradition of Western thought and spiritual practice, Blackwood aims to show how this ancient author's insights resonate with contemporary questions about suffering, resilience, and the search for meaning. Through this exploration, we will discover how philosophy, art, and culture offer pathways to navigate life’s darkest moments, not by denying them, but by transforming them into sources of clarity, courage, and hope.
This lecture invites us to reflect on the fundamental human longing for consolation and how the creative expressions of our civilization can meet that longing with wisdom and beauty. It is a testament to the enduring relevance of Boethius’s Consolation and to the vital role of philosophy and literature in the cultivation of a life worth living.
