Obedience and Simple Living: From the Teachings of Musonius Rufus (vegetarian), Part 1 of 2

Gaius Musonius Rufus (vegetarian) was one of the great Stoic philosophers of the Roman Empire. His philosophy focused on the study and practice of virtue. In today’s episode, we present Philosopher Musonius Rufus’ practical explanation of obedience and the question of whether one should unquestioningly obey their parents or if there are circumstances that allow for disobedience.

MUST ONE OBEY ONE’S PARENTS UNDER ALL CIRCUMSTANCES?

“To be sure, disobedience and the disobedient person are terms of reproach and shame but refusing to do what one ought not to do merits praise rather than blame. Therefore, whether one’s father or the archon or even the tyrant orders something wrong or unjust or shameful, and one does not carry out the order, he is in no way disobeying, inasmuch as he does no wrong nor fails of doing right. He only disobeys who disregards and refuses to carry out good and honorable and useful orders. Such is the disobedient man.”

“Thus, in relation to his parents, one is obedient when he voluntarily does whatever they counsel that is good and fitting. For my part, moreover, I should say that anyone who does what is right and expedient, even when his parents do not counsel it, is obeying his parents, and in support of my reasoning, consider this.”