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)
Human affairs are like a chessboard; the pieces move, but the player is God.
True freedom is to be a slave to no vice.
The stars incline, but do not compel.
Wealth is not in having many possessions, but in having few wants.
The purpose of life is to seek the good.
Justice is the harmony of the soul.
No one is content with his lot; all seek what they lack.
The divine mind orders all things.
Happiness is activity in accordance with virtue.
Fools admire, but men of sense approve.
The soul's true home is with the divine.
Adversity reveals the true self.
All things seek the good, each in its way.
Providence governs the world with justice.
The wise man is sufficient unto himself.
Beauty in things exists in the mind which contemplates them.
The chain of causes hangs from the throne of God.
True nobility is in virtue, not in birth.
The present is all that we have; the past is gone, the future uncertain.
God sees all things in an eternal present.