Nothing is miserable unless you think it so.

What it means

Philosophy tells the imprisoned Boethius that even exile is home to those who live there. The rest of the line says every lot is happy to the one who bears it calmly. Your judgment decides much of what you suffer.

The source

"Nothing is miserable unless you think it so." Boethius said it in Consolation of Philosophy 2.4. Translated from the original Latin by Spartan Surfers.

"nihil est miserum nisi cum putes"

Original Latin, Consolation of Philosophy 2.4. 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 "Nothing is miserable unless you think it so." mean?

Philosophy tells the imprisoned Boethius that even exile is home to those who live there. The rest of the line says every lot is happy to the one who bears it calmly. Your judgment decides much of what you suffer.

Who said "Nothing is miserable unless you think it so."?

Boethius (c. 477–524 AD). Source: Consolation of Philosophy 2.4.

What is the original Latin?

nihil est miserum nisi cum putes. Translated from the original Latin by Spartan Surfers.

Is "Nothing is miserable unless you think it so." on a shirt?

Yes. We print it to order on our tees in 7 illustrated looks, from $44, with free US shipping.

"Nothing is miserable unless you think it so." (Boethius, Consolation of Philosophy 2.4, translated by Spartan Surfers). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/nothing-is-miserable-unless-you-think-it-so