Fortune is fickle and unreliable, one must not rely on it for happiness from "summary" of The Consolation of Philosophy by Boethius,
Fortune, that ever-changing goddess, is known to be fickle and unreliable in her ways. She bestows her favors one moment and takes them away the next, without warning or reason. Those who rely on her for their happiness are bound to be disappointed, for she is not to be trusted. This truth is evident in the experiences of many individuals who have risen to great heights only to fall into despair when Fortune turns her back on them. It is folly to place one's faith in something so capricious and unpredictable as Fortune. Instead, one should seek happiness from within, in the knowledge that true contentment comes from one's own actions and virtues. The wise person understands that external circumstances are beyond their control, and thus does not allow them to dictate their happiness. The concept of Fortune's unreliability is a recurring theme in many philosophical works, as it serves to remind us of the impermanence of worldly success and the importance of cultivating inner strength and resilience. Boethius himself was a victim of Fortune's whims, having been unjustly imprisoned and facing an uncertain fate. Despite his suffering, he found solace in the teachings of Philosophy, who helped him see beyond the illusions of Fortune and focus on the eternal truths of the human soul. In the grand scheme of things, Fortune is but a fleeting presence in the vast expanse of time. The wise person understands that happiness cannot be dependent on external circumstances, for they are subject to change at any moment. By cultivating inner virtues such as wisdom, courage, and temperance, one can weather the storms of Fortune and find true happiness that is not easily shaken.- The concept of Fortune's fickleness serves as a powerful reminder of the transient nature of external circumstances and the importance of seeking happiness from within. Those who place their trust in Fortune are bound to be disappointed, while those who cultivate inner virtues will find a lasting source of contentment that cannot be easily swayed.
