Book 2, Chapter 1 | The Consolation of Philosophy

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.

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