From the book
Stobaeus, Volume I
John Stobaeus · Diotimos Editions · 2026
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At a Glance
- The wordHekousios describes what is voluntary.
- In StobaeusThe classification of descents calls both a soul’s chosen administration of earthly affairs and its obedience to higher beings voluntary.
- In this edition“Voluntary” preserves the classification; explain its inclusion of obedience where needed.
- A place to beginChosen administration and obedience both count as voluntary descent.
- English renderings
- voluntary; willing
Meaning
Hekousios describes what is voluntary. The criteria for voluntariness can include acting in willing obedience, not only initiating an action independently.
Use in the book
The classification of descents calls both a soul’s chosen administration of earthly affairs and its obedience to higher beings voluntary. Compelled movement toward a worse condition forms the contrasting category. Descent is therefore not uniformly presented as an involuntary punishment.
Places to read
Translation in this edition
“Voluntary” preserves the classification; explain its inclusion of obedience where needed.
The involuntary
Akousios means involuntary or unwilling. I.3.56c contrasts involuntary with voluntary wrongdoings when distinguishing two reported ordeals. The contrast marks a difference relevant to judging conduct, but this narrative does not itself provide a complete philosophical analysis of ignorance, compulsion, and responsibility.
Source note
Wachsmuth, volume I, printed pp. 67–68, 379. The passage introduces another division among several reported classifications, rather than replacing all preceding accounts with one.