On quiet conversation
38:1
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.
1.
You are right when you urge that we increase our mutual traffic in letters.
But the greatest benefit is to be derived from conversation, because it creeps by degrees into the soul.
Lectures prepared beforehand and spouted in the presence of a throng have in them more noise but less intimacy.
Philosophy is good advice; and no one can give advice at the top of his lungs.
Of course we must sometimes also make use of these harangues, if I may so call them, when a doubting member needs to be spurred on; but when the aim is to make a man learn, and not merely to make him wish to learn, we must have recourse to the low-toned words of conversation.
They enter more easily, and stick in the memory; for we do not need many words, but, rather, effective words.
Book: Moral Letters Vol I
Subtitle: Seneca's timeless letters of advice and wisdom.
Author: Seneca
Chapter: On quiet conversation
Location: Chapter 38, Section 1
Content:
1.
You are right when you urge that we increase our mutual traffic in letters.
But the greatest benefit is to be derived from conversation, because it creeps by degrees into the soul.
Lectures prepared beforehand and spouted in the presence of a throng have in them more noise but less intimacy.
Philosophy is good advice; and no one can give advice at the top of his lungs.
Of course we must sometimes also make use of these harangues, if I may so call them, when a doubting member needs to be spurred on; but when the aim is to make a man learn, and not merely to make him wish to learn, we must have recourse to the low-toned words of conversation.
They enter more easily, and stick in the memory; for we do not need many words, but, rather, effective words.