The Consolation of Philosophy · Chapter
Song V: Wonder and Ignorance explained
This poem reflects on how ignorance breeds wonder and fear at natural phenomena, while understanding dispels such awe.
What happens
This poem reflects on how ignorance breeds wonder and fear at natural phenomena, while understanding dispels such awe. It contrasts the marvel of the uneducated at celestial events with the calm comprehension of the enlightened.
Themes in this chapter
Philosophy as Healing
Philosophy dispels ignorance, replacing wonder and fear with understanding.
Characters to notice
- Boethius
The speaker, reflecting on the nature of wonder and ignorance.
Key passages
“Who knoweth not how near the pole Bootes’ course doth go, Must marvel by what heavenly law He moves his Wain so slow;”
Those ignorant of astronomy are amazed by the slow movement of the constellation Bootes near the pole.
Illustrates how lack of knowledge leads to wonder.
“Weak-minded folly magnifies All that is rare and strange, and the dull herd’s o’erwhelmed with awe At unexpected change.”
Foolish people exaggerate the significance of unusual events and are easily awed by surprises.
Critique of the unenlightened response to novelty.
“But wonder leaves enlightened minds, When ignorance no longer blinds.”
Once ignorance is removed, wonder disappears from the minds of the wise.
The core message: knowledge dispels irrational awe.