The Consolation of Philosophy · Chapter
VII explained
Boethius and Philosophy discuss the vanity of worldly glory and fame.
What happens
Boethius and Philosophy discuss the vanity of worldly glory and fame. Philosophy argues that fame is insignificant given the vastness of the universe and the brevity of life, and that true virtue should be pursued for its own sake, not for the applause of others.
Themes in this chapter
Vanity of Worldly Goods
Philosophy argues that fame and glory are insignificant and fleeting, comparing earthly renown to the vastness of heaven and eternity.
Virtue and Self-Mastery
Boethius expresses a desire to exercise virtue through action, and Philosophy emphasizes that true virtue should be pursued for its own sake, not for external reward.
Characters to notice
- Boethius
Boethius admits that ambition for worldly success has not swayed him much, but he desired opportunity for action to prevent virtue from languishing.
- Philosophy
Philosophy argues that the love of glory is a 'last infirmity' and demonstrates the insignificance of fame through astronomical and geographical reasoning.
- Cicero
Cicero is cited as noting that the fame of the Roman Republic had not crossed the Caucasus in his day.
Key passages
“Now shall I know if thou art a philosopher if thou bearest reproaches calmly and patiently.”
I will recognize you as a true philosopher only if you endure insults with calmness and patience.
Philosophy recounts a test of genuine philosophical character.
“I should have hadst thou held thy peace.”
You would have been a philosopher if you had remained silent.
A witty retort showing that true philosophy is demonstrated by quiet endurance, not by claiming the title.
“the whole of this earth’s globe, as thou hast learnt from the demonstration of astronomy, compared with the expanse of heaven, is found no bigger than a point”
The entire Earth is like a mere point when compared to the vastness of the heavens.
Philosophy uses astronomy to diminish the importance of earthly fame.