Concept of Soul Degradation in Marcus Aurelius’ Perspective in Oscar Wilde’s Literary Works

Abstract

This article is an attempt to analyze The concept of soul degradation in Marcus Aurelius’ perspective in Oscar Wilde’s literary works. The study found that concept of soul degradation in Marcus Aurelius’perspective means that decline or moral deterioration. This may arise from internal negative factors or influence from external events that causes to lose one's true values ​​and principles which will lead to a life that is not in harmony.

The degradation of soul manifests itself in different ways. From within, it occurs when people succumb to negative emotions such as greed, anger, fear, or jealousy. This clouds one's mind and prevents rational thinking. Or it occurs when people focus their actions in a bad wa such as hedonism and consumerism. An action that satisfies excessive satisfaction or lust or actions that are immoral, unfair, dishonest, and malicious towards others. These things erode morality and destroy one soul. In addition, the degradation of soul is caused by external events  as well that is outside influences which distort the inside such as a consumerist society causes people to become greedy and attached to external objects including neglecting self-control and living life not in accordance with nature that is, inconsistent with virtue and reason. These influences can distract us from principles and true values. it eventually causes soul degradation which will leads to inner turmoil, dissatisfaction with oneself, Eventually, one will lose harmony with the order of life and nature.

To prevent the degradation of soul, Marcus believes that one should cultivate virtue, namely wisdom, courage, justice, and self-control thereby constantly adjusting our actions to be consistent with reason and virtue, not succumbing to the negative emotions such as greed, anger, fear, or jealousy, and not clinging to external things. By this, one can prevent external circumstances influencing or affecting the inner state or soul.