Fifteen hundred years ago, a Roman statesman named Boethius (480–524 A.D.) was imprisoned by his enemies, and while in confinement he wrote a little book called The Consolation of Philosophy. While this book is not so widely known today, for centuries it was one of the most popular books in the world, and for good reason. In it, Boethius recounts an imaginary conversation between himself and the personification of Philosophy. He begins by lamenting the injustice of his fate, only to be consoled by Philosophy pointing out that, despite appearances, he really has nothing to complain about after all. Good fortune, she observes, is fickle by nature. Anyone who chooses to enjoy the gifts of Fortune does so in the knowledge that sooner or later, they will be taken away.

In other words, we should focus on the good times while they last, not obsess over the end which must inevitably come. All good things are fleeting. We know this, and so should not be disappointed when our allotted time runs out. A child who is lucky enough to vacation at Disney World may be sad when it is time to go home, but the fact that a joyful experience does not last forever does not make it any less joyful. Only a fool would prefer never to experience anything good in the apprehension that it will one day disappear.

The Consolation of Philosophy makes many compelling points, but for me the most powerful is that life is a gift to be cherished. It may be an imperfect gift, at times even a frustrating one, but it is a gift nevertheless; and if we accept it, we should do so with appropriate gratitude and humility. Maybe you can’t afford a new house or to go to college, but if you’re reading this, chances are you can afford food and some sort of a roof over your head. Maybe there’s too much pollution and too many trees are chopped down, but the fact that trees exist at all is a miracle.