The Consolation of Philosophy | Boethius

Life can be unpredictable - how can we meet challenging events? Boethius points the way.

Christine Lambie speaks about Boethius who was born around 480AD. He was a very successful scholar and politician. In 522 his two sons were appointed joint consuls. But then things went downhill for Boethius; he was arrested by King Theodoric for treason, exiled to Pavia and a year later was executed.

Boethius is best known for his final work, The Consolation of Philosophy. It begins with him lamenting his fate when he becomes aware of an awesome woman standing over him, the personification of Philosophy. The work is a dialogue between Boethius and Lady Philosophy, written in prose and verse.

Philosophy chases away the Muses who are fanning Boethius' self pity. Then she starts applying remedies, initially by explaining about the goddess Fortuna who turns her wheel.

Further on, in Book 2, Philosophy says:
"Love governs lands and seas alike,
Love orders too the heavens above.

Should love once slacken its tight rein
And cease to order near and far,
The mutual love which all things show
Will in a moment turn to war…

Such love embraces nations, too;
In hallowed pacts it them combines.
With chaste affections man and wife
In solemn wedlock it entwines.

Love’s laws most trusty comrades bind.
How happy is the human race,
If Love, by which the heavens are ruled,
To rule men’s minds is set in place!"

The Consolation of Philosophy goes on in later chapters in the style of a Platonic dialogue.

In the School, we explore and digest the heritage of philosophy, as part of building inner resources. Good material can give us strength. For Boethius, Philosophy was his chief and final solace in life.


The School of Philosophy and Economic Science offers courses in practical philosophy and economics with justice as well as other subjects. It aims to approach philosophy in a practical way, encouraging students to apply philosophy in their lives. The School also introduces a mindfulness-type exercise leading eventually to mantra meditation.

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You may also find this video relates to: medieval wisdom, stoicism, neoplatonism, Plato, antiquity, Roman philosophy, inner resources, challenges,