The Consolation of Philosophy
by Anicius Manlius Severinus Boethius
'The Consolation of Philosophy' Summary
Boethius writes the book as a conversation between himself and a female personification of philosophy. Philosophy consoles Boethius by discussing the transitory nature of fame and wealth ("no man can ever truly be secure until he has been forsaken by Fortune"), and the ultimate superiority of things of the mind, which she calls the "one true good". She contends that happiness comes from within, and that virtue is all that one truly has, because it is not imperiled by the vicissitudes of fortune.
Boethius engages with the nature of predestination and free will, the problem of evil, human nature, virtue, and justice. He speaks about the nature of free will and determinism when he asks if God knows and sees all, or does man have free will. On human nature, Boethius says that humans are essentially good and only when they give in to “wickedness” do they “sink to the level of being an animal.” On justice, he says criminals are not to be abused, rather treated with sympathy and respect, using the analogy of doctor and patient to illustrate the ideal relationship between prosecutor and criminal.
Book Details
Language
EnglishOriginal Language
LatinPublished In
524Author
Anicius Manlius Severinus Boëthius, commonly called Boethius, was a Roman senator, consul, magister officiorum, and philosopher of the early 6th century. He was born about a year after Odoacer de...
More on Anicius Manlius Severinus BoethiusDownload eBooks
Listen/Download Audiobook
Related books
Of Peace of Mind by Seneca
How to maintain a tranquil mind amongst social upheaval and turmoil, addressed to Serenus.
How to Succeed by Orison Swett Marden
In this volume, Orison Swett Marden explains the road to success in simple terms for the benefit of anyone, who wishes to follow in his footsteps. Ove...
A Treatise Concerning the Principles of Human Knowledge by George Berkeley
Does the world exist outside of your mind? In his groundbreaking philosophical work, A Treatise Concerning the Principles of Human Knowledge, George...
Your Psychic Powers and How to Develop Them by Hereward Carrington
Instructions in how to develop your psychic powers including telepathy, clairvoyance, self-projection, reincarnation, and other topics. Seriously. "It...
A Treatise on Good Works by Martin Luther
In this exposition of the Ten Commandments, Martin Luther attempts to build a bridge between justification by faith and the life of the Christian mani...
Byways to Blessedness by James Allen
James Allen instructs us on how to improve our life and spiritual well-being through the power of positive thinking. He teaches us to live in the pres...
The New Organon by Francis Bacon
The Novum Organum is a philosophical work by Francis Bacon published in 1620. The title translates as "new instrument". This is a reference to Aristot...
On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection by Charles Darwin
Considered to be one of the books that changed the world and how we view ourselves, On The Origin of Species by Charles Darwin was met with incredulou...
The Life Triumphant by James Allen
Are you tired of ignoring your conscience? Do you want to to follow the inward guide to wherever it may lead? Are you ready to realise your full poten...
Good Sense by Paul Henri Thiry (Baron d'Holbach)
"Good Sense" is a thought-provoking and insightful book written by Paul Eldridge. Published in the early 20th century, this classic work explores the...
Reviews for The Consolation of Philosophy
No reviews posted or approved, yet...