Tag Archives: Consolation of Philosophy

I’m reading this a bit harder now, resistant to its all-too-easy message.  I am questioning the logic, as if it is twisted to produce rather than by strict deduction.  I need go back–or simply be more cautious in the forward … Continue reading → Continue reading →

…is in God. "Grant, Oh Father, that my mind may rise to Thy sacred throne.  Let it see the fountain of good; let it find light, so that the clear light of my soul may fix itself in Thee.  Burn … Continue reading → Continue reading →

No lesson is learned the better than when lived.  And often that which seemed one way, becomes another when applying a different theory.  That which seemed most difficult to me of Philosophy’s logic was that of honor in striving for … Continue reading → Continue reading →

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 … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Perhaps I should read through to the end before I post on this or any other book, because I change with it as clarifications are made, but the arguments along the way are some fun too.  I don’t mind admitting … Continue reading → Continue reading →

While Book II ends with an exhortation of "O how happy the human race would be, if that love that rules the heavens ruled also your souls!"  (Poem 8, p. 35), Philosophy hints finally at my own hope that honor … Continue reading → Continue reading →

"In the end, we reach the same conclusion about all the gifts of Fortune.  They are not worth striving for; there is nothing in their natures which is good; they are not always possessed by good men, nor do they … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Reading Consolation now is both a blessing and a sham.  Personal conflicts are so relative to the lessons, and so the close reading is closer still.  But is that its purpose, to help one understand the principles and so apply … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Quiet reading today, and perfect for the contemplation.  I understood the measure to which Philosophy held Fortune, but seeing fortune as a state of being–aside from material things, which I well understand are transitory and little value in the long … Continue reading → Continue reading →

"Although it is true that things which are subject to fortune can hardly be counted on, nevertheless, the last day of a man’s life is a kind of death to such fortune as he still has.  What difference does it … Continue reading → Continue reading →

Needless to say, Boethius is struck by his turn of fortune; from honored statesman to prisoner, and Philosophy renders Fortune’s argument: "If free-handed Plenty should dispense riches from her cornucopia as plentiful as the sands cast up by the storm-tossed … Continue reading → Continue reading →

"You are confused because you have forgotten what you are, and therefore, you are upset because you are in exile and stripped of all your possessions.  Because you are ignorant of the purpose of things, you think that stupid and … Continue reading → Continue reading →