Boethius Quotes
Anicius Manlius Severinus Boethius was a 5th and 6th-century Roman senator, consul, and philosopher, one of the last representatives of classical learning in the Latin West and a foundational figure of medieval philosophy. His life was spent in service to the Ostrogothic king Theodoric in Italy, until political accusations led to his imprisonment and eventual execution in 524. The quotes below are attributed to Boethius, organized by topic.
Boethius on Happiness
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Attributed to Boethius:
“In every adversity of fortune, to have been happy is the most unhappy kind of misfortune.”
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Attributed to Boethius:
“Nothing is miserable unless you think it so; and on the other hand, nothing brings happiness unless you are content with it.”
Boethius on Knowledge
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Attributed to Boethius:
“He who knows himself was first his own knower.”
Boethius on Love
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Attributed to Boethius:
“Who would give a law to lovers? Love is unto itself a higher law.”
Boethius on Nature
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Attributed to Boethius:
“Music is so naturally united with us that we cannot be free from it even if we so desired.”
Boethius on Time
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Attributed to Boethius:
“It is my belief that history is a wheel. Inconstancy is my very essence, says the wheel.”
Boethius on Truth
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Attributed to Boethius:
“If you would see the truth in clear light, take the proper path.”