Fortune's wheel turns. Ride it, but don't complain when it drops.

Boethius, Consolation of Philosophy 2.2

What it means

Fortune herself speaks: she spins the wheel, lifting the low and dropping the high. Climb on if you like, she says, but do not call it unfair when you come down. Enjoy the ride up without assuming it lasts.

The source

"Fortune's wheel turns. Ride it, but don't complain when it drops." Boethius said it in Consolation of Philosophy 2.2. Translated from the original Latin by Spartan Surfers.

"rotam uolubili orbe uersamus, infima summis summa infimis mutare gaudemus. Ascende si placet, sed ea lege ne utique ... cum ludicri mei ratio poscet, descendere iniuriam putes"

Original Latin, Consolation of Philosophy 2.2. Text read at gutenberg.org.

Who said it

Boethius (c. 477–524 AD). Roman statesman who wrote The Consolation of Philosophy in prison while awaiting execution. It became one of the most widely read books of the Middle Ages.

Questions

What does "Fortune's wheel turns. Ride it, but don't complain when it drops." mean?: Fortune herself speaks: she spins the wheel, lifting the low and dropping the high. Climb on if you like, she says, but do not call it unfair when you come down. Enjoy the ride up without assuming it lasts.
Who said "Fortune's wheel turns. Ride it, but don't complain when it drops."?: Boethius (c. 477–524 AD). Source: Consolation of Philosophy 2.2.
What is the original Latin?: rotam uolubili orbe uersamus, infima summis summa infimis mutare gaudemus. Ascende si placet, sed ea lege ne utique ... cum ludicri mei ratio poscet, descendere iniuriam putes. Translated from the original Latin by Spartan Surfers.
Is "Fortune's wheel turns. Ride it, but don't complain when it drops." on a shirt?: Yes. We print it to order on our tees in 7 illustrated looks, from $44, with free US shipping.

Cite this line

"Fortune's wheel turns. Ride it, but don't complain when it drops." (Boethius, Consolation of Philosophy 2.2, translated by Spartan Surfers). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/fortunes-wheel-turns-ride-it-but-dont-complain