LITERATURE: Consolation – The Bad Goods

Philosophy sums up the falseness of that which men seek as happiness, and gives her reasons for each being unable to bring true good and happiness to those who take these paths:

"There is no doubt, therefore, that these are the wrong roads to happiness; they cannot take anyone to the destination which they promise.  Let me briefly show you the evils within them.  If you try to accumulate money, you must deprive someone else of it.  If you want to cover yourself with honors, you will become indebted to those who can bestow them; and, by wishing to outdo others in honor, you will humiliate yourself by begging.

"If you want power, you risk the danger of your subjects’ treachery.  if you seek fame, you will become involved in difficulties and lose your security.  If you seek a life of pleasure–but who would not spurn and avoid subjection to so vile and fragile a thing as his body?  Indeed, those who boast of bodily goods are relying on weak and uncertain possessions.  For you are not bigger than an elephant, nor stronger than a bull, nor as quick as a tiger."  (Book III, Prose 8, p. 48)

Put like this, it would seem to be that we’re better off not coming out of the cave.  This all seems so negative–and very close to my own attitude it’s scary.  This "something will go wrong so don’t even try it" formed advice would seem to be anti-happiness in its fear of risk versus rewards.  But this is not truly the advice Philosophy gives, but rather in knowing the risks, know as well the need not to depend upon these things for happiness.

Here is where she will bring in the answer.  Thing is, she’s run out of material things and would then I guess head in the direction of the spiritual, or the gaining of the knowledge.  I’m curious.