Back to On allegiance to virtue

Moral Letters Vol I

Seneca

§ Section 4

On allegiance to virtue

37:4

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.

4.

Folly is low, abject, mean, slavish, and exposed to many of the cruellest passions.

These passions, which are heavy taskmasters, sometimes ruling by turns, and sometimes together, can be banished from you by wisdom, which is the only real freedom.

There is but one path leading thither, and it is a straight path; you will not go astray.

Proceed with steady step, and if you would have all things under your control, put yourself under the control of reason; if reason becomes your ruler, you will become ruler over many.

You will learn from her what you should undertake, and how it should be done; you will not blunder into things.