Giftedness as Divine Wisdom in the Philosophy of Hryhorii Skovoroda
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32405/2413-4139-2024-2(33)-99-104Keywords:
giftedness, human being, Divine wisdom, kindred work, happiness, truthAbstract
The article explores the concept of giftedness in the works of the Ukrainian philosopher Hryhorii Savych Skovoroda, who raised several important questions, with a primary focus on the transmission of spiritual experience and the depiction of the path toward Divine spirituality. This path involves the discovery of various manifestations of giftedness. It is emphasized that, alongside theoretical abilities, Skovoroda highlights the emotional and volitional aspects of the human spirit as the foundation of giftedness – the human heart. In his teachings about God, Skovoroda perceives God as a force, an invisible nature that animates, nourishes, mends, protects, and, at its will, transforms back into coarse matter.
It is noted that Skovoroda refers to the spirit as the voice of God's will and calls on people to listen to it. In essence, this is the voice of the innate gift and talent present in every person, which must be awakened. Knowledge of God’s wisdom makes us truly human, and our hearts become pure sources of blessings. For goodness and truth, a wise and knowledgeable person is essential. Skovoroda referred to such a person as Minerva. According to mythology, Minerva was born from Jupiter’s head, just as the spirit originates from God. Skovoroda described people who enter life without natural abilities as individuals without Minerva.
The Ukrainian philosopher emphasized that the center of the world is the human being, and those actions are admirable that align with one’s natural talents and inclinations. Endeavors undertaken without a calling, he believed, tend to end poorly. Skovoroda envisioned an ideal society where everyone realizes their natural abilities and gifts through “kindred labor” and finds joy in it. Through such labor, what is necessary becomes effortless, and what is burdensome becomes unnecessary.
In his works, Skovoroda constantly appeals to Divine wisdom, which he equates with giftedness, as its nature also possesses a divine character. The beginning of the search for this Divine wisdom, and at the same time a remedy for human arrogance and misunderstanding, lies in the fear of God. This fear serves as an inner safeguard, preserving one’s essential boundaries and enabling the realization of one’s gifts while maintaining a balance between the animalistic and the divine-human aspects of existence
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References
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