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Philosophy tells Boethius that her remaining medicines are bitter-tasting, but sweet in the stomach. He would be excited about taking them if he realized that she is leading him to the goal of true happiness. She will begin by showing him where happiness cannot be found so he will turn away from lies and so see the truth.

Written in the 6th-century from a prison cell as the author awaits execution for a crime he did not commit, The Consolation of Philosophy is a dialogue between Boethius and a mysterious woman—Lady Philosophy—who helps him rediscover wisdom and virtue.

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You’re invited to join the companion course that dives deep into each of the five books. There, we’ll explore each chapter, with guided readings, discussion prompts, and study tools to enrich your journey. Enroll today.

But Boethius shouldn’t despise Fortune altogether, for when she is against someone, she benefits him by telling him the truth, instructing him about the fragility of earthly happiness. Then someone can enjoy what is truly good, that which only truly belongs to him.

Written in the 6th-century from a prison cell as the author awaits execution for a crime he did not commit, The Consolation of Philosophy is a dialogue between Boethius and a mysterious woman—Lady Philosophy—who helps him rediscover wisdom and virtue.

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You’re invited to join the companion course that dives deep into each of the five books. There, we’ll explore each chapter, with guided readings, discussion prompts, and study tools to enrich your journey. Enroll today.

Philosophy adds that fame and renown are not worth having either, since the region you occupy is tiny compared to the rest of the world, and since your lifetime is so brief compared to eternity.

Written in the 6th-century from a prison cell as the author awaits execution for a crime he did not commit, The Consolation of Philosophy is a dialogue between Boethius and a mysterious woman—Lady Philosophy—who helps him rediscover wisdom and virtue.

Subscribe now and begin walking the path of wisdom with us.

You’re invited to join the companion course that dives deep into each of the five books. There, we’ll explore each chapter, with guided readings, discussion prompts, and study tools to enrich your journey. Enroll today.

Nor are powerful positions to be praised, Philosophy continues, for they do not give true honor to their holders. Further, no one can have power over anyone else’s mind—only his body and his fortune. And having such power is not everything, for a more powerful person can make the wielder suffer too. Riches and power cannot make a wicked person better. For these reasons, we must not covet what Fortune gives.

Written in the 6th-century from a prison cell as the author awaits execution for a crime he did not commit, The Consolation of Philosophy is a dialogue between Boethius and a mysterious woman—Lady Philosophy—who helps him rediscover wisdom and virtue.

Subscribe now and begin walking the path of wisdom with us.

You’re invited to join the companion course that dives deep into each of the five books. There, we’ll explore each chapter, with guided readings, discussion prompts, and study tools to enrich your journey. Enroll today.

Written in the 6th-century from a prison cell as the author awaits execution for a crime he did not commit, The Consolation of Philosophy is a dialogue between Boethius and a mysterious woman—Lady Philosophy—who helps him rediscover wisdom and virtue.

Subscribe now and begin walking the path of wisdom with us.

You’re invited to join the companion course that dives deep into each of the five books. There, we’ll explore each chapter, with guided readings, discussion prompts, and study tools to enrich your journey. Enroll today.

Philosophy now begins to use stronger arguments, since her previous words are working on Boethius. Even if good fortune wasn’t temporary, can anyone really possess any gift of Fortune? And is any of her gifts truly worth having? Money is only valuable when used; jewels are beautiful in themselves, but do not improve their owners; land cannot truly be owned by a person, or improve him; clothes glorify the tailor, not the wearer; dishonest servants are burdensome, while honest servants are a credit to themselves, not their master. Therefore, no one’s possessions really belong to him. So why should they make him happy or sad? People—who are created godlike—should value inner resources.

Written in the 6th-century from a prison cell as the author awaits execution for a crime he did not commit, The Consolation of Philosophy is a dialogue between Boethius and a mysterious woman—Lady Philosophy—who helps him rediscover wisdom and virtue.

Subscribe now and begin walking the path of wisdom with us.

You’re invited to join the companion course that dives deep into each of the five books. There, we’ll explore each chapter, with guided readings, discussion prompts, and study tools to enrich your journey. Enroll today.

Philosophy asserts that Boethius’s greatest possession is untouched by Fortune: his blessed family. Further, he should not complain in spite of his own suffering because no one enjoys perfect happiness. Happiness does not lie in outward circumstances, but in inward self-command, for the self is one’s most precious possession, which Fortune can never take away. Therefore, people should build their lives on that firm, unshakable foundation, which will last for eternity.

Written in the 6th-century from a prison cell as the author awaits execution for a crime he did not commit, The Consolation of Philosophy is a dialogue between Boethius and a mysterious woman—Lady Philosophy—who helps him rediscover wisdom and virtue.

Subscribe now and begin walking the path of wisdom with us.

You’re invited to join the companion course that dives deep into each of the five books. There, we’ll explore each chapter, with guided readings, discussion prompts, and study tools to enrich your journey. Enroll today.

Philosophy’s argument only serves to dull pain; later she will give him a thorough remedy. But he shouldn’t think himself ill-used for two reasons: Fortune blessed him through all his life until now, and his current suffering shouldn’t blot out that joy. And since he will abandon Fortune at his certain eventual death, how can he complain if she abandons him now?

Written in the 6th-century from a prison cell as the author awaits execution for a crime he did not commit, The Consolation of Philosophy is a dialogue between Boethius and a mysterious woman—Lady Philosophy—who helps him rediscover wisdom and virtue.

Subscribe now and begin walking the path of wisdom with us.

You’re invited to join the companion course that dives deep into each of the five books. There, we’ll explore each chapter, with guided readings, discussion prompts, and study tools to enrich your journey. Enroll today.

Written in the 6th-century from a prison cell as the author awaits execution for a crime he did not commit, The Consolation of Philosophy is a dialogue between Boethius and a mysterious woman—Lady Philosophy—who helps him rediscover wisdom and virtue.

Subscribe now and begin walking the path of wisdom with us.

You’re invited to join the companion course that dives deep into each of the five books. There, we’ll explore each chapter, with guided readings, discussion prompts, and study tools to enrich your journey. Enroll today.

Philosophy takes on the voice of Fortune to challenge the validity of Boethius’s complaint against her: If possessions of riches and offices are the right of any human, she will admit that he is complaining justly. She gave him a spoiled youth and made him rich; can she not take back what is hers? It is her right to give and to take, to lift up and throw down, and he knows she has done this throughout the centuries. He should not think himself exempted from this.

Written in the 6th-century from a prison cell as the author awaits execution for a crime he did not commit, The Consolation of Philosophy is a dialogue between Boethius and a mysterious woman—Lady Philosophy—who helps him rediscover wisdom and virtue.

Subscribe now and begin walking the path of wisdom with us.

You’re invited to join the companion course that dives deep into each of the five books. There, we’ll explore each chapter, with guided readings, discussion prompts, and study tools to enrich your journey. Enroll today.