Maximus the Greek’s “Inquisitive Questions” about Human Responsibility

The article employs the works of Maximus Greek, a pioneering and thought provoking thinker of the Middle Ages, to explore the human perspective and the conception of life’s significance, aspects that are hallmarks of Russian anthropology. Based on an already established tradition, Maxim the Greek brings his own understanding of the goals and objectives facing man in earthly life. According to Maxim the Greek, human life should be aimed at restoring the unity of the soul, mind and will, but this is possible only if one realizes one’s immortality and the need for meaningful living of earthly life, which is not possible without taking responsibility for one’s life. Maxim Greek argues that only man himself is able to direct his life to God, to understand and realize the greatness of his goals. The main starting point on the path of human improvement is to focus on cognition, first of all, on self-knowledge. Maxim the Greek asserts that God has given man reason for the knowledge of the soul, for the rational transformation and perfection of himself. Cognition aims to direct a person to action, to actively create himself as a person. Maxim Greek pays a lot of attention to the role of the heart in human life, saying that it is the heart that directs human freedom to the good. But the human heart will only act when the mind gives a clear definition of good and evil. An analysis of the writings of Maxim Greek reveals that, in many respects, he exhibited a prophetic understanding of his era, the Middle Ages in general. He asserted that man, by assuming responsibility for himself, must strive to achieve unity of soul, mind, and will; he must learn the truth and live according to its principles. This is the harmony for which man was created. The ability to assume responsibility for one’s own life is a pivotal factor in the shaping of one’s personality.