The Consolation of Philosophy
by Boethius · first published 1962
43% recommend57% neutral
Why HN recommends it
A blend of classical philosophy and personal reflection on suffering and fortune, written in prison. Its ideas remain relatable today and it serves as a foundation for Western thought.
Summarised by Claude from recommending comments
The book called 'The Consolation of Philosophy' was throughout the Middle Ages, and down to the beginnings of the modern epoch in the sixteenth century, the scholar's familiar companion. Few books have exercised a wider influence in their time. It has been translated into every European tongue, and into English nearly a dozen times, from King Alfred's paraphrase to the translations of Lord Preston, Causton, Ridpath, and Duncan, in the eighteenth century. The belief that what once pleased so widely must still have some charm is my excuse for attempting the present translation. The great work of
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…by Brandon Sanderson. If you're open to fantasy, this series delves deep into how to respond when one's worldview is shattered. Highly recommended. Elantris also covers some similar territory. * The Consolation of Philosophy by Boethius. How do you reconcile the whims of capricious Fortune with your desire for peace in this world? * Bonds That Make Us Free by Terry Warner. This book makes you take a brutal look at how you…
on “Ask HN: Which books have made you introspect?” ↗If you like Seneca's work, check out Boethius's "Consolation of Philosophy" -- astonishing how every part of it is still relatable, despite having been written around 600-700AD. I never got a liberal arts education but I've been told that Boethius's writing was the link that…
on “Are we too busy to enjoy life?” ↗My son's third name is Boethius! The Consolation of Philosophy is one of the best works I've ever read.
on “Boethius” ↗The Consolation of Philosophy by Boethius. Written in 523 while he was imprisoned and awaiting execution by the Ostrogothic King Theodoric, it is often described as the last great Western work of the Classical Period.
on “Ask HN: What are your favorite classic books?” ↗The Consolation of Philosophy by Anicius Manlius Severinus Boethius. It is a profound synthesis of classical philosophy and personal reflection on the human condition. Boethius, writing in prison while awaiting execution, blends…
on “Ask HN: What's the "best" book you've ever read?” ↗Thanks for this brief endorsement. I'll add it to my list of books to read... Currently, running a rather high tsundoku... My own fav is also called Consolation of Philosophy but it's by Alain de Botton, one of my fav contemporary writers. His prose is fine, and the writing's a treat. His book is of course a modern treatment of Boethius. Recommended!
on “Ask HN: What's the "best" book you've ever read?” ↗"The Consolation of Philosophy" is one of my favorite books, so it's exciting to learn about this musical interpretation of it. I hope I can listen to the upcoming rendition soon!
on “‘Lost’ songs from the Middle Ages are brought back to life” ↗Find an online class on the book. For example, Mythgard Academy's class on The Consolation of Philosophy: https://mythgard.org/academy/consolation-of-philosophy/ Annotated books are also good.
on “Harvard Classics Book Download” ↗I found the translated text of "The Consolation of Philosophy", by Anicus Manlius Severinus Boethius https://www.gutenberg.org/files/14328/14328-h/14328-h.htm "It has been translated into every European tongue, and into English nearly a dozen times, from King…
on “‘Lost’ songs from the Middle Ages are brought back to life” ↗The Consolation of Philosophy was required reading for my undergrad Chaucer classes and other Medieval Studies courses, because Boece is Chaucer's translation into Middle English of Boethius' Consolation. For me it was an ancillary…
on “Why Read Boethius Today?” ↗…no idea how widespread their thought may be offline. Agree that Toole was writing a parody version of the question of political or theoretic lives which was treated in a serious manner by Boethius in Consolation of Philosophy and Hesse in The Glass Bead Game. I wouldn't be surprised if Dr. Talc (a substance useful when changing diapers?) didn't also have elements of self mockery. [1] did I forget to mention that apparently…
on “Charisma: Now You’ve Got It, Now You Don’t” ↗…Finnish soldiers were amazed(and developed PSTD) how consigned to their fate the advancing Soviet soldiers were despite wave and wave of them being gunned down. Same goes for a situation like in Boethius Consolation of Philosophy and The Last Lecture. They are screwed and you can delude yourself into thinking things are great. http://gunshowcomic.com/648
on “YouTube’s top creators are burning out” ↗I have never read The consolation of philosophy, but this article has revived my interest in the topic. I discovered the life of Boethius when I read Louis De Wohl's novel "Citadel of God" (1959), which is a narration of St. Benedict's life. One of…
on “Why Read Boethius Today?” ↗…the most prominent writers on Stoicism was literally the Emperor of Rome. Another prominent writer inspired by the Stoics was Boethius, a prominent official who was executed for treason. He wrote The Consolation of Philosophy as a way to comfort himself while in prison. That is the target for much of Stoicism: the people with a lot to lose. The name is derived from the Stoa, public places where people could gather to listen…
on “Why are the tech elites embracing a philosophy meant for slaves?” ↗Once while looking for ‘On the consolation of Philosophy’, by Boethius I came across the near title ‘The Consolations of Philosophy’ by Alain de Botton. After having self studied philosophy for over a decade, Botton’s dash review of great thinkers is accessible…
on “Ask HN: How do I get started in philosophy” ↗