I find a lot of comfort in this book. It's pretty short, and I've read it a couple times now. It was written way back in 523 AD by the Roman statesman Boethius while he was in prison awaiting execution for a crime he (probably) did not commit. I can't begin to imagine how difficult that would be, but somehow he managed to find peace and acceptance. It's basically a book about him being visited by an ethereal woman named Philosophy who helps him find comfort. It's kind of like A Christmas Carol. You know, where Scrooge is visited by ghosts who help him see his errors.

Lady Philosophy helps Boethius see that the nature of fortune is fickle and that a bit of good fortune can trick us into thinking our blessings are forever. Fortune's Wheel can easily turn and bring it all to ruin. However, healthy thoughts can go a long way to improving life in any situation, even one as dire as Boethius'. He learns not to place all his happiness in things outside of his control, but rather to turn within to find solace.

This book has really helped me a lot. No matter how hard things become, I still have control over my thoughts and how I choose to respond. I can focus on what I'm able to do and try not to worry about the rest. With practice, I know I can find that same peace, too. After Boethius's death, somehow his book was circulated. It was hugely influential in the Middle Ages and remains pretty popular today. Check it out sometime. You might find some value in it.