Book 2, Chapter 5 | The Consolation of Philosophy

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.

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