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Moral Letters Vol I

Seneca

§ Section 26

On despising death

24:26

Book Subtitle: Seneca's timeless letters of advice and wisdom.

Book Description: Full of insight and wisdom, Seneca's letters are a Stoic treasure. They've influenced famous philosophers, leaders, and students over the centuries. Each letter can be read on its own. By reading this volume you'll absorb the thoughts of a thoughtful Stoic aimed at living well.

26.

Others also are moved by a satiety of doing and seeing the same things, and not so much by a hatred of life as because they are cloyed with it.

We slip into this condition, while philosophy itself pushes us on, and we say: “How long must I endure the same things?

Shall I continue to wake and sleep, be hungry and be cloyed, shiver and perspire?

There is an end to nothing; all things are connected in a sort of circle; they flee and they are pursued.

Night is close at the heels of day, day at the heels of night; summer ends in autumn, winter rushes after autumn, and winter softens into spring; all nature in this way passes, only to return.

I do nothing new; I see nothing new; sooner or later one sickens of this, also.” There are many who think that living is not painful, but superfluous.

Farewell.