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Chapter Summary
Boethius must refuse to allow emotion to enslave him; only then will he see the truth.
About The Consolation of Philosophy
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.

Chapter Summary
Even though Boethius has corrupted his mind by wrongly pining at the deceitfulness of Fortune, Philosophy offers him a pleasant, preliminary medicine: a reasoned argument. Boethius needs to remember that Fortune is constant only in her inconstancy; then he will not be terrified by her. After all, to be so anxious about Fortune results in helpless slavery.
About The Consolation of Philosophy
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.
Want to go deeper?
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.

Chapter Summary
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.
About The Consolation of Philosophy
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.
Want to go deeper?
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.

Topics Covered
Strengths and weakness of the image of “the goddess of Fortune”
Scripture passages that support Philosophy’s teaching on Fortune
About The Consolation of Philosophy
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.
Want to go deeper?
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.

Chapter Summary
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?
About The Consolation of Philosophy
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.
Want to go deeper?
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.

Chapter Summary
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.
About The Consolation of Philosophy
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.
Want to go deeper?
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.

Chapter Summary
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.
About The Consolation of Philosophy
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.
Want to go deeper?
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.

Topics Covered
When Philosophy says that happiness lies inside us, not outside us, what does she mean?
How does Scripture describe the importance of self-control in the Christian life?
About The Consolation of Philosophy
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.
Want to go deeper?
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.

Chapter Summary
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.
About The Consolation of Philosophy
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.
Want to go deeper?
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.

Chapter Summary
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.
About The Consolation of Philosophy
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.
Want to go deeper?
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.