When you’re in prison waiting to die, what can philosophy do for you?

Michael and Caleb read Boethius’s Consolation of Philosophy - a book written by a Roman senator facing execution.

It’s philosophy tested at the breaking point. The book works through arguments for why you shouldn’t be angry at fortune. Some are practical - don’t complain about losing externals when externals always change. Others cut deeper - fortune can’t touch what matters most, which is yourself.

The interesting part is watching someone work through these arguments for real, not as theory.

(03:20 ) Historical context and influences

(09:00 ) Book structure and Lady Philosophy

(13:50 ) Fortune hasn’t changed, it was always fickle

(16:40 ) You chose to value externals, don’t complain when they shift

(18:40 ) Fortune gave you everything, can’t be mad it took it back

(21:30 ) Don’t overweight current misfortune

(29:30 ) Fortune can’t affect what matters - yourself

(34:40 ) External riches aren’t valuable anyway

(38:00 ) External honors aren’t valuable anyway

(42:10 ) Preview of Book Three - defining the good

(45:30 ) Final thoughts on the book

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Thanks to Michael Levy for graciously letting us use his music in the conversations:

https://ancientlyre.com/

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