The Consolation of Philosophy (In plain American English)

by marciano guerrero (Editor), MaryMarc Translations (Translator), Boethius

Overview

The Consolation is a dialogue in prose and verse between the author and Philosophy. In Book II, chapter 8, Philosophy reveals to Boethius that there are two Fortunes: “For Good Fortune when she wears the guise of happiness, and most seems to caress, is always lying. Ill Fortune is always truthful, since, in changing she shows her inconstancy. The one deceives, the other teaches; the one enchains the minds of those who enjoy her favor by the semblance of delusive good, and the other delivers them by the knowledge of the frail nature of happiness.”

Philosophy turns Boethius’ understanding upside down. Here we have a trans valuation of values. Good fortune turns out to be the villain; Ill fortune the heroine. In closing her discussion of the two Fortunes, Philosophy tells Boethius that it is Ill Fortune who discloses who our true friends are—not Good Fortune, who on the contrary hides them. And in her final admonition lies a much sought out nugget of wisdom: “Cease, then, to seek the wealth you have lost, since in true friends you has found the most precious of all riches.” Boethius makes the point that in the course of our lives, when Good Fortune smiles on us, we should be wary, for complacency, deception, and delusion will lead us to overdraw our blessings from the good jar.

For those with a philosophical bent, The Consolation of Philosophy offers insightful discussions on happiness, the problem of good and evil, and free will.

For those with a practical bent, you can find wise advice on wealth, money, riches, and living well.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940016622149
Publisher:	Marciano Guerrero
Publication date:	06/11/2013
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	126 KB

About the Author

Boethius (480 – 524/6), born in Rome of an ancient family, and served as the head of all government in the kingdom of Theodoric—Ostrogoth king of Italy.

The work of a polymath is always daunting, and for that reason one perhaps should focus on only one book and within that book (The Consolation of Philosophy) on a particular theme. Most of us simply think that fortune either smiles on us or ignores us--and nothing else. What Boethius had to say on the matter may be surprising to many.

It is not in material wealth, nor money, or possessions, or fame, much less in the abundance of servants where the most precious of all riches lies. Boethius reveals where. And considering that he was betrayed, abused, and killed his insight is even more bewildering.

When a senator named Albinus was accused of treason against Rome, Boethius defended the accused man passionately. The consequences were disastrous. Not only was Boethius charged with treason, but also with the sacrilege for practicing mathematics and astrology. It is during his imprisonment that he wrote his celebrated work, The Consolation of Philosophy. Having crashed out of grace, he was vilified, tortured, and finally executed.