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Moral Letters Vol I

Seneca

§ Section 14

On master and slave

47:14

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.

14.

Do you not see even this,—how our ancestors removed from masters everything invidious, and from slaves everything insulting?

They called the master “father of the household,” and the slaves “members of the household,” a custom which still holds in the mime.

They established a holiday on which masters and slaves should eat together,—not as the only day for this custom, but as obligatory on that day in any case.

They allowed the slaves to attain honours in the household and to pronounce judgment; they held that a household was a miniature commonwealth.