The Book of the Mutability of Fortune (Volume 52) Quotes

“In order to be disturbed less—since Mischance goes everywhere, and even though he may be ubiquitous—I have chosen as my sole joy (whatever joy someone else may have, this is mine): peace, voluntary solitude, and a secluded, solitary life.”
― Christine de Pizan, The Book of the Mutability of Fortune (Volume 52)

“Fortune, because of whom all good leaves us,
was thereupon born, and was complicit in the whole affair. She did this because of her fickleness. And I believe her to be the daughter of the devil because I do not find any writing or text—not prose, not verse—that says or proves that God, who makes all good, beneficial works out of nothing, ever formed or loved Fortune. So I believe that the devil made her, so that she would undo all good and put man in servitude, because there is no shame, damage, or misfortune that does not come to man because of Fortune (may all remember that!). And she does even greater harm to the best than to the worst, night and day. Her disruptive influence will not be short-lived; rather, her control will last until Judgment Day”
― Christine de Pizan, The Book of the Mutability of Fortune (Volume 52)

“But one should have pity for the poor, and, for God’s sake, show them friendship, because they are flesh just as we are, our fellow women and men. And God himself commands us to do it and proclaims it in Scripture: “Blessed be he who does good for them and who will offer them alms!”
― Christine de Pizan, The Book of the Mutability of Fortune (Volume 52)

“Wealth takes no account of kindness, good sense, beauty, or strength, nor is she concerned about valor, goodness, or eminent qualities. To such people she is hardly a friend, and when she is, that situation usually does
not last long.”
― Christine de Pizan, The Book of the Mutability of Fortune (Volume 52)