Book cover of The Consolation of Philosophy

Book description

Boethius was an eminent public figure under the Gothic emperor Theodoric, and an exceptional Greek scholar. When he became involved in a conspiracy and was imprisoned in Pavia, it was to the Greek philosophers that he turned. THE CONSOLATION was written in the period leading up to his brutal execution.…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

2 authors picked The Consolation of Philosophy as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

This was a fellow who tried to do everything right, and yet, in the end, his whole worldly life seemed to go wrong. A senator, a scholar, and an advisor to a king, he found himself trapped in the usual sort of political machinations, and so was sentenced to death. He wrote this book while awaiting his execution. Lady Philosophy speaks to him, and he learns how his character matters more than his circumstances. 

“By Love are peoples too kept bound together by a treaty which they may not break. Love binds with pure affection the sacred ties of wedlock,…

Ancius Boethius (c. A.D.480-524) was a Roman philosopher whose life straddled the classical and medieval worlds. Thrown in prison by the emperor Theodoric on what were almost certainly false charges, Boethius wrote his moving dialogue between the ailing prisoner and his “nurse”, Philosophy. Drawing on many Stoic teachings, Boethius deals with topics like the nature of happiness; fate vs. free will, and how we can cope with events that we cannot control. His cardinal principle is that the only true joy is self-possession in the face of adversity.

If you love The Consolation of Philosophy...

Ad

Book cover of Aggressor

Aggressor by FX Holden,

It is April 1st, 2038. Day 60 of China's blockade of the rebel island of Taiwan.

The US government has agreed to provide Taiwan with a weapons system so advanced that it can disrupt the balance of power in the region. But what pilot would be crazy enough to run…

Want books like The Consolation of Philosophy?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like The Consolation of Philosophy.

Browse books like The Consolation of Philosophy

Book cover of The Emperor's Handbook: A New Translation of the Meditations
Book cover of Letters from a Stoic
Book cover of A Guide to Rational Living

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,276

readers submitted
so far, will you?

Ad

📚 If you like The Consolation of Philosophy, you might also like...

Book cover of My Book Boyfriend

My Book Boyfriend by Kathy Strobos,

Lily loves her community garden. Rupert wants to bulldoze it. When feelings grow, will they blossom or turn to rubble?

"It literally had everything! - Bookworm Characters - Humor - Banter - Swoon-worthy lines."  - Book Reviewer.

Book cover of Everyday Medical Miracles: True Stories from the Frontlines in Women’s Health Care

Everyday Medical Miracles by Joseph S. Sanfilippo (editor),

Frontiers of Women from the healthcare perspective. A compilation of 60 true short stories written by an extensive array of healthcare providers, physicians, and advanced practice providers.

All designed to give you, the reader, a glimpse into the day-to-day activities of all of us who provide your health care. Come…

5 book lists we think you will like!