Boethius
A Roman philosopher and statesman, author of 'The Consolation of Philosophy', written while awaiting execution.
Most quoted
"Human perversity makes divisions of that which by nature is one and simple, and in attempting to obtain part of something which has no parts, succeeds in getting neither the part—which is nothing—nor the whole, which it does not seek."
— from The Consolation of Philosophy, 524
"For the wise man is neither raised up by prosperity nor cast down by adversity; for he has always endeavored to rely predominantly on himself, and to derive all joy from himself."
— from The Consolation of Philosophy, 524
"For since all good things are good by participation in the good, and the good is good by itself, it is manifest that the good is the very essence of goodness."
— from The Consolation of Philosophy
All quotes by Boethius (150)
Happiness is the state of a soul which is in possession of a good which is its own.
Vice may be had at a cheap rate, but virtue requires a high price.
The course of true love never did run smooth, but it is the obstacles that make it profound.
All things are subject to the governance of Providence.
Misfortune shows those who are not really friends.
The soul is immortal and cannot perish.
Beauty is the splendor of truth.
Time is the moving likeness of eternity.
God is the measure of all things.
The good man is always happy, the wicked man always miserable.
Fame is but the breath of men.
Power is not a good unless it is used well.
The universe is a single, interconnected whole.
Sorrow and joy are fleeting; only virtue endures.
Knowledge of divine things is the highest wisdom.
The mind is its own place, and in itself can make a heaven of hell.
All fortune is good fortune for the good man.
Love is the bond that unites all things.
The wicked are always miserable, though they may seem prosperous.
Eternity is the whole, simultaneous and perfect possession of boundless life.