On the futility of learning maxims
33:2
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.
2.
Poetry is crammed with utterances of this sort, and so is history.
For this reason I would not have you think that these utterances belong to Epicurus: they are common property and are emphatically our own.
They are, however, more noteworthy in Epicurus, because they appear at infrequent intervals and when you do not expect them, and because it is surprising that brave words should be spoken at any time by a man who made a practice of being effeminate.
For that is what most persons maintain.
In my own opinion, however, Epicurus is really a brave man, even though he did wear long sleeves.
Fortitude, energy, and readiness for battle are to be found among the Persians, just as much as among men who have girded themselves up high.
Book: Moral Letters Vol I
Subtitle: Seneca's timeless letters of advice and wisdom.
Author: Seneca
Chapter: On the futility of learning maxims
Location: Chapter 33, Section 2
Content:
2.
Poetry is crammed with utterances of this sort, and so is history.
For this reason I would not have you think that these utterances belong to Epicurus: they are common property and are emphatically our own.
They are, however, more noteworthy in Epicurus, because they appear at infrequent intervals and when you do not expect them, and because it is surprising that brave words should be spoken at any time by a man who made a practice of being effeminate.
For that is what most persons maintain.
In my own opinion, however, Epicurus is really a brave man, even though he did wear long sleeves.
Fortitude, energy, and readiness for battle are to be found among the Persians, just as much as among men who have girded themselves up high.