Chapter IV: Book II: The Vanity of Fortune's Gifts

Summary

CH. I. Philosophy reproves Boethius for the foolishness of his
complaints against Fortune. Her very nature is caprice.--CH. II.
Philosophy in Fortune's name replies to Boethius' reproaches, and
proves that the gifts of Fortune are hers to give and to take
away.--CH. III. Boethius falls back upon his present sense of
misery. Philosophy reminds him of the brilliancy of his former
fortunes.--CH. IV. Boethius objects that the memory of past
happiness is the bitterest portion of the lot of the unhappy.
Philosophy shows that much is still left for which he may be
thankful. None enjoy perfect satisfaction with their lot. But
happiness depends not on anything which Fortune can give. It is to
be sought within.--CH. V. All the gifts of Fortune are external;
they can never truly be our own. Man cannot find his good in
worldly possessions. Riches bring anxiety and trouble.--CH. VI.
High place without virtue is an evil, not a good. Power is an empty
name.--CH. VII. Fame is a thing of little account when compared
with the immensity of the Universe and the endlessness of
Time.--CH. VIII. One service only can Fortune do, when she reveals
her own nature and distinguishes true friends from false.