Reviews

The Consolation of Philosophy by Boethius, Victor Watts

thinhnh3009's review against another edition

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5.0

The book approaches the knowledge of philosophy and morality in a miserable situation of the author who was betrayed by the people he wants to protect and put into jail by the wicked men. But is it really miserable? The lady of philosophy, the personification of the fullest possible achievement of human reason, appears and “cure” Boethius with her role as a psychiatrist. The conversation between Lady Philosophy and Boethius will reveal us the true origin of happiness and how to pursue happiness without getting deceived by false ideas. Lady Philosophy helps the author to change his mind, and also our minds, to look at his situation in the different perspective, and provides a mental method to help us encounter with difficulties in life. It is not an easy book to read, especially the book 5 which discuss pure philosophical problems, but it will help you to practice and nurture your mind so that you can choose a correct path for your life.

rio_d's review against another edition

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inspiring reflective medium-paced

infinimata's review against another edition

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3.0

Some bits have not held up well or have obvious fallacies, but there's still plenty of pearls here and there. Works better as motivational psychology than as philosophy per se. Still, I enjoyed it.

bperl's review against another edition

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3.0

A highly influential work of the early 6th century, Boethius’ “The Consolation of Philosophy” digs into complex issues, such as the definition of happiness, the powerlessness of evil men, and the question of free will.

Boethius wields the Socratic method clumsily, but sometimes the proper note is struck nevertheless. I particularly enjoyed his treatment of fortune, and the right perception of such.

linneak2002's review against another edition

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5.0

Jan/Feb 2024
I read this for the second time, and this time, I noticed new things that I recognized from Lewis.

autiger239's review against another edition

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challenging informative mysterious reflective slow-paced

4.5

Really did not expect this to be this good but I really enjoyed it (should have known better since Tolkien and Lewis were fans). Goes over complex ideas in simple and easy to follow ways. And I'm definitely going to make my wife read this book next year. 

tyndareos's review against another edition

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4.0

64/100
In the Consolation of Philosophy, Boethius wrote his book in a dialogue format, conveying different areas of philosophy.
He wrote from a Christian standpoint, which was quite common at his time 
Influenced by mostly by Plato, he presents philosophy poetically.
He shares his views on Free Will and fate, his ideas on reconciling divine providence with human choice remain relevant even today.
It is a classical work and heavily influenced the works in the philosophical history.

nic_reads_good's review against another edition

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challenging informative inspiring reflective slow-paced

4.5

anna_kristina_nord's review against another edition

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informative mysterious reflective slow-paced

3.75

julowe's review against another edition

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3.0

An interesting bridge between classical and Christian thought. But I don’t feel very consoled.
He is somewhat persuasive on the utility of evil, but not the necessity. Appreciated the discussion on infinite vs eternal. But (and this is a first) I found Boethius even more confusing than Plato’s Gorgias on the topic of wrongdoers and correction.