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hierocles and elagabalus my beloveds 💕

#ancient rome #art #roman empire #spqr #elagabalus #hierocles #elliegabalvs rome #hieroellie #heliogabalus

Pride Month special: Elagabalus and Hierocles

#drawing #my art #digital art #history #ancient history #roman history #roman #roman empire #ancient rome #roman emperor #elagabalus #hierocles #julia maesa #cassius dio #praetorian guard #pride month

Each of us is, as it were, circumscribed by many circles; some of which are less, but others larger, and some comprehend, but others are comprehended, according to the different and unequal habitudes with respect to each other.

For the first, indeed, and most proximate circle is that which everyone describes about his own mind as a centre, in which circle the body, and whatever is assumed for the sake of the body, are comprehended … The second from this, and which is at a greater distance from the centre, but comprehends the first circle, is that in which parents, brothers, wife, and children are arranged. The third circle from the centre is that which contains uncles and aunts, grandfathers and grandmothers, and the children of brothers and sisters … Next to this is that which contains the common people, then that which comprehends those of the same tribe, afterwards that which contains the citizens; and then two other circles follow, one being the circle of those that dwell in the vicinity of the city, and the other, of those of the same province. But the outermost and greatest circle, and which comprehends all the other circles, is that of the whole human race … it is the province of him who strives to conduct himself properly in each of these connections to collect, in a certain respect, the circles, as it were, to one centre, and always to endeavour earnestly to transfer himself from the comprehending circles to the several particulars which they comprehend.

It is requisite, likewise, to add a proper measure conformably to the general use of appellations, calling indeed cousins, uncles and aunts, by the name of brothers, fathers and mothers; but of other kindred, to denominate some uncles, others the children of brothers or sisters, and others cousins, according to the difference of age, for the sake of the abundant extension which there is in names. For this mode of appellation will be no obscure indication of our sedulous attention to each of these relatives; and at the same time will incite, and extend us in a greater degree, to the contraction as it were of the above mentioned circles.

—Hierocles (Ἱεροκλῆς), The Elements of Ethics (Ἠθικὴ στοιχείωσις)(c 150 BCE). Below: a graphic presentation of the concentric system of relationship circles in Hierocles' theory of οἰκείωσις. :: [Robert Scott Horton]

#Hierocles #The Elements of Ethics #concentric circles #relationships #community

Somehow, in some way, the time and the effort we spend in our own lives - the changes we make within ourselves and in our immediate environment, within our individual microcosms, have some sort of non-local connection to the status of the world at large within the macrocosm.

But nothing gets in the way of individual growth or provides more excuses to avoid taking personal responsibility for your corner of the universe/multiverse, and the things that are within your control than being consumed and overwhelmed by the weight of the world, as if you could save it if you have yet to unfuck your self - when your own houses are out of order.

So many things, most things, are outside of your control. Shitty, unexpected things are going to find you. You should account for them and expect them - and prepare for them as if they will. If they don't, then you're blessed at best and prepared at worst. If you simply stay on top of those which you can control - that's a pretty good start. And that's all you can do anyways.

The goal of bridging the gap between yourself and the rest of humanity is a noble goal but you must preserve your self first, to establish the stability needed to be of use and aid to others expanding outwards through the concentric circles of family, friends, neighbors, local community, and then do what you can beyond. If you can be a rock in your community, that alone means the world.

#stoicism #unfuckyourselffirst #oikeiosis #negativevisualization #hieroclescircles

#oikeiosis #negative visualization #philosophy #greek philosophy #stoicism #shower thoughts #Hierocles’ Circles #hierocles #personal responsibility #unfuck yourself #negativevisualization #meditation #writing

We ought always to deal justly, not only with those who are just to us, but likewise to those who endeavor to injure us; and this, for fear lest by rendering them evil for evil, we should fall into the same vice.

Hierocles

#Stoicism #hierocles #quote

Elagabalus

Roman Emperor Elagabalus has many aspects of the LGBTQ community attributed to him.

Firstly, he is portrayed as possibly bisexual; he was allegedly married to five women (including a vestal virgin), but also referred to the charioteer Hierocles as his husband.

His relationship with Hierocles is of particular importance, as Elagabalus reportedly claimed that he was “happy to be called the wife, the mistress, the Queen of Hierocles”, which is a bold announcement for a Roman emperor to make.

It is also possible that Elagabalus was fluid in his gender identity, or even transgender. Cassius Dio claims that “he carried his lewdness to such a point that he asked the physicians to contrive a woman's vagina in his body by means of an incision, promising them large sums for doing so.” This doesn’t however suggest he wished to remove his male nature, but to also create a female aspect to his body as well. This is an interesting phenomenon as it is one of the earliest clear references to a person without a strict idea of their own gender identity.