From the book
Stobaeus, Volume I
John Stobaeus · Diotimos Editions · 2026
Browse this book’s lexicon →Orientation
At a Glance
- The wordAutarkeia is sufficiency without the relevant deficiency or external supplement.
- In StobaeusIn the account of purification, self-sufficiency appears among restoration of proper essence, perfection, ascent, and conjunction with wholes.
- In this editionRetain “self-sufficiency,” but explain its relation to fulfillment and participation.
- A place to beginSelf-sufficiency belongs to a sequence of benefits of purification and return.
- English renderings
- self-sufficiency; sufficiency in oneself
Meaning
Autarkeia is sufficiency without the relevant deficiency or external supplement. The respect of sufficiency must be identified from the context.
Use in the book
In the account of purification, self-sufficiency appears among restoration of proper essence, perfection, ascent, and conjunction with wholes. It therefore does not mean isolation from all higher causes. The purified soul’s sufficiency is presented alongside the reception of power, life, and activity from more comprehensive realities.
Places to read
- I.49.65.10Self-sufficiency belongs to a sequence of benefits of purification and return.
Translation in this edition
Retain “self-sufficiency,” but explain its relation to fulfillment and participation. “Independence” can suggest too absolute a separation.
Source note
Wachsmuth, volume I, printed pp. 455–456. The list includes both return to a generating cause and gifts received from wholes; both directions belong to its account.