
Podcast episodes – The Secret History of Western Esotericism Podcast (SHWEP)
Frederico Fidler on Sallustius’ On the Gods and the World
Jul 25, 2023
Frederico Fidler discusses Sallustius' manual on Platonist metaphysics and esoteric hermeneutics. They explore the ambiguity of Seleustius' identity, the role of rituals and sacrifices, the power of words and the world as a myth. They delve into the importance of interpretation, Sallustius' perspective on Egyptians and idolatry, the dating of a text and its relationship to Christianity, and ancient philosophers' perspective on Christianity compared to the focus of the analyzed work.
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Quick takeaways
- Sallustius' On the Gods and the World explores the complex identity and authorship of Sallustius, shedding light on the problem of multiple candidates and their connection to Emperor Julian.
- The text emphasizes the interconnectedness of the gods and the eternal world, challenging Christian theology's concept of change and evil, while highlighting the importance of human virtue and striving for harmony with the gods.
Deep dives
The Unique Work of Salustius
Salustius's work on the gods in the world is a one-of-a-kind text in ancient literature. It explores the relationship between the ancient philosopher Seleustius and the Emperor Julian. The text delves into the problem of multiple Seleustius candidates and their connection to Julian. It discredits the idea that Seleustius was a scenic philosopher and presents alternative theories, ultimately inconclusive. Through these analyses, the work sheds light on the complex identity and authorship of Seleustius.
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