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Moral Letters Vol I

Seneca

§ Section 7

On the god within us

41:7

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.

7.

No man ought to glory except in that which is his own.

We praise a vine if it makes the shoots teem with increase, if by its weight it bends to the ground the very poles which hold its fruit; would any man prefer to this vine one from which golden grapes and golden leaves hang down?

In a vine the virtue peculiarly its own is fertility; in man also we should praise that which is his own.

Suppose that he has a retinue of comely slaves and a beautiful house, that his farm is large and large his income; none of these things is in the man himself; they are all on the outside.