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Welcome to The Consolation of Philosophy—a journey into one of the most profound and influential works of Western thought, brought to life with a fresh translation, thoughtful reading, and rich discussions. Batches of new episodes are released each Sunday, starting June 1, 2025. I’m Pastor Brent Karding, and in this podcast I’ll guide you through the pages of Boethius’ 6th-century masterpiece. Written from a prison cell as he awaits execution for a crime he did not commit, The Consolation of Philosophy is a dialogue between Boethius and a mysterious woman—Lady Philosophy—who helps him rediscover wisdom and virtue. She shows him that the way to endure suffering rightly is to know God, who is true happiness itself, for God truly governs the world perfectly, no matter how things look from our limited perspective. “Until about two hundred years ago it would, I think, have been hard to find an educated man in any European country who did not love [The Consolation of Philosophy].” —C.S. Lewis Each episode includes a new song and chapter of the text in my own modern English translation, with occasional discussion episodes unpacking its meaning for our lives today as followers of Christ. Whether you're a student of philosophy, a lover of great books, or someone looking for clarity in hard times, this podcast will help you discover how ancient truth still speaks. Subscribe now and begin walking the path of wisdom with me—one episode at a time. Want to go deeper? You’re invited to join the companion course that dives deep into each of the five books. There, we’ll explore each chapter, with guided readings, discussion prompts, and study tools to enrich your journey. Enroll today.

About The Consolation of Philosophy Written in the 6th-century from a prison cell as the author awaits execution for a crime he did not commit, The Consolation of Philosophy is a dialogue between Boethius and a mysterious woman—Lady Philosophy—who helps him rediscover wisdom and virtue. Subscribe now and begin walking the path of wisdom with us. Want to go deeper? You’re invited to join the companion course that dives deep into each of the five books. There, we’ll explore each chapter, with guided readings, discussion prompts, and study tools to enrich your journey. Enroll today.

Chapter Summary Lady Philosophy appears to a downcast Boethius—tall, shabby, but authoritative. She rebukes the Muses of poetry, whose emotional thorns choked reason out of his mind. Boethius waits to hear her speak. About The Consolation of Philosophy Written in the 6th-century from a prison cell as the author awaits execution for a crime he did not commit, The Consolation of Philosophy is a dialogue between Boethius and a mysterious woman—Lady Philosophy—who helps him rediscover wisdom and virtue. Subscribe now and begin walking the path of wisdom with us. Want to go deeper? You’re invited to join the companion course that dives deep into each of the five books. There, we’ll explore each chapter, with guided readings, discussion prompts, and study tools to enrich your journey. Enroll today.

Topics Covered How emotion relates to thinking How Scripture teaches us to think about our emotions and about thinking itself About The Consolation of Philosophy Written in the 6th-century from a prison cell as the author awaits execution for a crime he did not commit, The Consolation of Philosophy is a dialogue between Boethius and a mysterious woman—Lady Philosophy—who helps him rediscover wisdom and virtue. Subscribe now and begin walking the path of wisdom with us. Want to go deeper? You’re invited to join the companion course that dives deep into each of the five books. There, we’ll explore each chapter, with guided readings, discussion prompts, and study tools to enrich your journey. Enroll today.

Chapter Summary Philosophy laments Boethius’s spiritual fall, as he no longer looks up at the heavens. She tells him that he must not complain but rather be healed. This healing is possible, if he can identify her and then remember his own identity. About The Consolation of Philosophy Written in the 6th-century from a prison cell as the author awaits execution for a crime he did not commit, The Consolation of Philosophy is a dialogue between Boethius and a mysterious woman—Lady Philosophy—who helps him rediscover wisdom and virtue. Subscribe now and begin walking the path of wisdom with us. Want to go deeper? You’re invited to join the companion course that dives deep into each of the five books. There, we’ll explore each chapter, with guided readings, discussion prompts, and study tools to enrich your journey. Enroll today.

Chapter Summary Boethius suddenly recognizes Lady Philosophy, whom he had known for many years. She tells him she is visiting him to help him bear the burden of his ordeal, which many others have borne before. Therefore, he should not be surprised to be suffering like this. Her advice is to take refuge in Wisdom, which is more valuable than anything enemies can take away. About The Consolation of Philosophy Written in the 6th-century from a prison cell as the author awaits execution for a crime he did not commit, The Consolation of Philosophy is a dialogue between Boethius and a mysterious woman—Lady Philosophy—who helps him rediscover wisdom and virtue. Subscribe now and begin walking the path of wisdom with us. Want to go deeper? You’re invited to join the companion course that dives deep into each of the five books. There, we’ll explore each chapter, with guided readings, discussion prompts, and study tools to enrich your journey. Enroll today.

Chapter Summary Philosophy advises Boethius to face both good and bad fortune, which has no true power over him, with integrity. He passionately recounts how he had followed her advice in studying philosophy in his work in public affairs, but had been falsely accused and was being unjustly punished. That the evil plot has succeeded is what astonishes him. He laments because, unlike him, unpunished criminals enjoy pleasure. About The Consolation of Philosophy Written in the 6th-century from a prison cell as the author awaits execution for a crime he did not commit, The Consolation of Philosophy is a dialogue between Boethius and a mysterious woman—Lady Philosophy—who helps him rediscover wisdom and virtue. Subscribe now and begin walking the path of wisdom with us. Want to go deeper? You’re invited to join the companion course that dives deep into each of the five books. There, we’ll explore each chapter, with guided readings, discussion prompts, and study tools to enrich your journey. Enroll today.

Chapter Summary Boethius laments God’s seeming absence from governing human affairs, to which Philosophy responds with a rebuke: His deepest exile is not physical but spiritual. He is not yet ready for a complete cure, and so for now she will only gently prepare him for that. About The Consolation of Philosophy Written in the 6th-century from a prison cell as the author awaits execution for a crime he did not commit, The Consolation of Philosophy is a dialogue between Boethius and a mysterious woman—Lady Philosophy—who helps him rediscover wisdom and virtue. Subscribe now and begin walking the path of wisdom with us. Want to go deeper? You’re invited to join the companion course that dives deep into each of the five books. There, we’ll explore each chapter, with guided readings, discussion prompts, and study tools to enrich your journey. Enroll today.

Chapter Summary To ensure an appropriate remedy, Philosophy asks Boethius several questions. He believes that God is in control of his creation, that God is the source of all things, and that man is a mortal, reasoning creature. However, he has not applied the former belief to his circumstances, and has forgotten the goal of creation and—most serious of all—even his own identity. Thus he is confused and upset at his exile, wrongly believing the wicked are blessed and that his misfortunes are random. Even though these beliefs would kill him, his belief in God’s sovereignty is a spark that can be fanned into flame and bring him back to life. Philosophy will work slowly and gently to this purpose. About The Consolation of Philosophy Written in the 6th-century from a prison cell as the author awaits execution for a crime he did not commit, The Consolation of Philosophy is a dialogue between Boethius and a mysterious woman—Lady Philosophy—who helps him rediscover wisdom and virtue. Subscribe now and begin walking the path of wisdom with us. Want to go deeper? You’re invited to join the companion course that dives deep into each of the five books. There, we’ll explore each chapter, with guided readings, discussion prompts, and study tools to enrich your journey. Enroll today.

Topics Covered Why are we here on earth? What are human beings? How does God rule the world? About The Consolation of Philosophy Written in the 6th-century from a prison cell as the author awaits execution for a crime he did not commit, The Consolation of Philosophy is a dialogue between Boethius and a mysterious woman—Lady Philosophy—who helps him rediscover wisdom and virtue. Subscribe now and begin walking the path of wisdom with us. Want to go deeper? You’re invited to join the companion course that dives deep into each of the five books. There, we’ll explore each chapter, with guided readings, discussion prompts, and study tools to enrich your journey. Enroll today.

Chapter Summary Boethius must refuse to allow emotion to enslave him; only then will he see the truth. About The Consolation of Philosophy Written in the 6th-century from a prison cell as the author awaits execution for a crime he did not commit, The Consolation of Philosophy is a dialogue between Boethius and a mysterious woman—Lady Philosophy—who helps him rediscover wisdom and virtue. Subscribe now and begin walking the path of wisdom with us. Want to go deeper? You’re invited to join the companion course that dives deep into each of the five books. There, we’ll explore each chapter, with guided readings, discussion prompts, and study tools to enrich your journey. Enroll today.

Chapter Summary Even though Boethius has corrupted his mind by wrongly pining at the deceitfulness of Fortune, Philosophy offers him a pleasant, preliminary medicine: a reasoned argument. Boethius needs to remember that Fortune is constant only in her inconstancy; then he will not be terrified by her. After all, to be so anxious about Fortune results in helpless slavery. About The Consolation of Philosophy Written in the 6th-century from a prison cell as the author awaits execution for a crime he did not commit, The Consolation of Philosophy is a dialogue between Boethius and a mysterious woman—Lady Philosophy—who helps him rediscover wisdom and virtue. Subscribe now and begin walking the path of wisdom with us. Want to go deeper? You’re invited to join the companion course that dives deep into each of the five books. There, we’ll explore each chapter, with guided readings, discussion prompts, and study tools to enrich your journey. Enroll today.

Chapter Summary Philosophy takes on the voice of Fortune to challenge the validity of Boethius’s complaint against her: If possessions of riches and offices are the right of any human, she will admit that he is complaining justly. She gave him a spoiled youth and made him rich; can she not take back what is hers? It is her right to give and to take, to lift up and throw down, and he knows she has done this throughout the centuries. He should not think himself exempted from this. About The Consolation of Philosophy Written in the 6th-century from a prison cell as the author awaits execution for a crime he did not commit, The Consolation of Philosophy is a dialogue between Boethius and a mysterious woman—Lady Philosophy—who helps him rediscover wisdom and virtue. Subscribe now and begin walking the path of wisdom with us. Want to go deeper? You’re invited to join the companion course that dives deep into each of the five books. There, we’ll explore each chapter, with guided readings, discussion prompts, and study tools to enrich your journey. Enroll today.

Topics Covered Strengths and weakness of the image of “the goddess of Fortune” Scripture passages that support Philosophy’s teaching on Fortune About The Consolation of Philosophy Written in the 6th-century from a prison cell as the author awaits execution for a crime he did not commit, The Consolation of Philosophy is a dialogue between Boethius and a mysterious woman—Lady Philosophy—who helps him rediscover wisdom and virtue. Subscribe now and begin walking the path of wisdom with us. Want to go deeper? You’re invited to join the companion course that dives deep into each of the five books. There, we’ll explore each chapter, with guided readings, discussion prompts, and study tools to enrich your journey. Enroll today.

Chapter Summary Philosophy’s argument only serves to dull pain; later she will give him a thorough remedy. But he shouldn’t think himself ill-used for two reasons: Fortune blessed him through all his life until now, and his current suffering shouldn’t blot out that joy. And since he will abandon Fortune at his certain eventual death, how can he complain if she abandons him now? About The Consolation of Philosophy Written in the 6th-century from a prison cell as the author awaits execution for a crime he did not commit, The Consolation of Philosophy is a dialogue between Boethius and a mysterious woman—Lady Philosophy—who helps him rediscover wisdom and virtue. Subscribe now and begin walking the path of wisdom with us. Want to go deeper? You’re invited to join the companion course that dives deep into each of the five books. There, we’ll explore each chapter, with guided readings, discussion prompts, and study tools to enrich your journey. Enroll today.

Chapter Summary Philosophy asserts that Boethius’s greatest possession is untouched by Fortune: his blessed family. Further, he should not complain in spite of his own suffering because no one enjoys perfect happiness. Happiness does not lie in outward circumstances, but in inward self-command, for the self is one’s most precious possession, which Fortune can never take away. Therefore, people should build their lives on that firm, unshakable foundation, which will last for eternity. About The Consolation of Philosophy Written in the 6th-century from a prison cell as the author awaits execution for a crime he did not commit, The Consolation of Philosophy is a dialogue between Boethius and a mysterious woman—Lady Philosophy—who helps him rediscover wisdom and virtue. Subscribe now and begin walking the path of wisdom with us. Want to go deeper? You’re invited to join the companion course that dives deep into each of the five books. There, we’ll explore each chapter, with guided readings, discussion prompts, and study tools to enrich your journey. Enroll today.

Chapter Summary Philosophy now begins to use stronger arguments, since her previous words are working on Boethius. Even if good fortune wasn’t temporary, can anyone really possess any gift of Fortune? And is any of her gifts truly worth having? Money is only valuable when used; jewels are beautiful in themselves, but do not improve their owners; land cannot truly be owned by a person, or improve him; clothes glorify the tailor, not the wearer; dishonest servants are burdensome, while honest servants are a credit to themselves, not their master. Therefore, no one’s possessions really belong to him. So why should they make him happy or sad? People—who are created godlike—should value inner resources. About The Consolation of Philosophy Written in the 6th-century from a prison cell as the author awaits execution for a crime he did not commit, The Consolation of Philosophy is a dialogue between Boethius and a mysterious woman—Lady Philosophy—who helps him rediscover wisdom and virtue. Subscribe now and begin walking the path of wisdom with us. Want to go deeper? You’re invited to join the companion course that dives deep into each of the five books. There, we’ll explore each chapter, with guided readings, discussion prompts, and study tools to enrich your journey. Enroll today.

Topics Covered When Philosophy says that happiness lies inside us, not outside us, what does she mean? How does Scripture describe the importance of self-control in the Christian life? About The Consolation of Philosophy Written in the 6th-century from a prison cell as the author awaits execution for a crime he did not commit, The Consolation of Philosophy is a dialogue between Boethius and a mysterious woman—Lady Philosophy—who helps him rediscover wisdom and virtue. Subscribe now and begin walking the path of wisdom with us. Want to go deeper? You’re invited to join the companion course that dives deep into each of the five books. There, we’ll explore each chapter, with guided readings, discussion prompts, and study tools to enrich your journey. Enroll today.

Chapter Summary Nor are powerful positions to be praised, Philosophy continues, for they do not give true honor to their holders. Further, no one can have power over anyone else’s mind—only his body and his fortune. And having such power is not everything, for a more powerful person can make the wielder suffer too. Riches and power cannot make a wicked person better. For these reasons, we must not covet what Fortune gives. About The Consolation of Philosophy Written in the 6th-century from a prison cell as the author awaits execution for a crime he did not commit, The Consolation of Philosophy is a dialogue between Boethius and a mysterious woman—Lady Philosophy—who helps him rediscover wisdom and virtue. Subscribe now and begin walking the path of wisdom with us. Want to go deeper? You’re invited to join the companion course that dives deep into each of the five books. There, we’ll explore each chapter, with guided readings, discussion prompts, and study tools to enrich your journey. Enroll today.

Chapter Summary Philosophy adds that fame and renown are not worth having either, since the region you occupy is tiny compared to the rest of the world, and since your lifetime is so brief compared to eternity. About The Consolation of Philosophy Written in the 6th-century from a prison cell as the author awaits execution for a crime he did not commit, The Consolation of Philosophy is a dialogue between Boethius and a mysterious woman—Lady Philosophy—who helps him rediscover wisdom and virtue. Subscribe now and begin walking the path of wisdom with us. Want to go deeper? You’re invited to join the companion course that dives deep into each of the five books. There, we’ll explore each chapter, with guided readings, discussion prompts, and study tools to enrich your journey. Enroll today.