Work

The Governance of the Solitary

Tadbir al-Mutawahhid

Ibn Bajja·Arabic

About this text

In an imperfect city, the philosopher must withdraw and perfect himself alone. This solitary ascent leads to union with the Active Intellect and the highest form of human happiness.

The solitary man is not one who lives apart from others in body, but one who lives apart from them in thought. He may live among people and conduct himself outwardly as they do, while inwardly he follows a different path. His goal is the perfection of the intellect.

Full text not yet available.