On Vatia's villa
55:4
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.
But what he knew was how to hide, not how to live; and it makes a great deal of difference whether your life be one of leisure or one of idleness.
So I never drove past his country-place during Vatia’s lifetime without saying to myself: “Here lies Vatia!” But, my dear Lucilius, philosophy is a thing of holiness, something to be worshipped, so much so that the very counterfeit pleases.
For the mass of mankind consider that a person is at leisure who has withdrawn from society, is free from care, self-sufficient, and lives for himself; but these privileges can be the reward only of the wise man.
Does he who is a victim of anxiety know how to live for himself?
What?
Does he even know (and that is of first importance) how to live at all?
Book: Moral Letters Vol I
Subtitle: Seneca's timeless letters of advice and wisdom.
Author: Seneca
Chapter: On Vatia's villa
Location: Chapter 55, Section 4
Content:
4.
But what he knew was how to hide, not how to live; and it makes a great deal of difference whether your life be one of leisure or one of idleness.
So I never drove past his country-place during Vatia’s lifetime without saying to myself: “Here lies Vatia!” But, my dear Lucilius, philosophy is a thing of holiness, something to be worshipped, so much so that the very counterfeit pleases.
For the mass of mankind consider that a person is at leisure who has withdrawn from society, is free from care, self-sufficient, and lives for himself; but these privileges can be the reward only of the wise man.
Does he who is a victim of anxiety know how to live for himself?
What?
Does he even know (and that is of first importance) how to live at all?