Desires for fame, power, and glory, like desires for wealth and pleasure, are not the source of true happiness, Philosophy reminds him. We can only wield power over the bodies and possessions of others, not their minds, and so power is an earthly thing. Moreover, since power can be corrupted, and fame can go to wicked men, they cannot be the sources of true happiness. Good fortune deceives, but bad fortune enlightens. Love, too, holds people joined By sacred bond of treaty, And weaves the holy knot Of marriage's pure love.
Love promulgates the laws For friendship's faithful bond.
Her advice is basically the doctrine of the old Stoic philosophers, who cultivated an indifference to pleasure and pain alike and concentrated on inner virtue. The price one pays for being aloof from misfortune is to be immune to the joys of good fortune. And, as we will see, the truth of this deeper revelation lies hidden in the very language of Philosophy's verses.