Philosophy proceeds to consider whether happiness can really be secured in any of these ways, (a) So far from bringing contentment, riches only add to men’s wants. Analysis: Philosophy and Boethius discuss the insufficiency of wealth to the attainment of happiness. In the analysis, we shall see that Boethius is once again signaling his departure from Aristotle. The core of the discussion is the distinction between self-sufficiency, and dependence.