6.
You will say, I suppose: “What is the purpose and meaning of this preamble?” I shall not keep you in the dark; I desire, if possible, to say the word essentia to you and obtain a favourable hearing.
If I cannot do this, I shall risk it even though it put you out of humour.
I have Cicero, as authority for the use of this word, and I regard him as a powerful authority.
If you desire testimony of a later date, I shall cite Fabianus, careful of speech, cultivated, and so polished in style that he will suit even our nice tastes.
For what can we do, my dear Lucilius?
How otherwise can we find a word for that which the Greeks call οὐσία, something that is indispensable, something that is the natural substratum of everything?
I beg you accordingly to allow me to use this word essentia.
I shall nevertheless take pains to exercise the privilege, which you have granted me, with as sparing a hand as possible; perhaps I shall be content with the mere right.
Book: Moral Letters Vol I
Subtitle: Seneca's timeless letters of advice and wisdom.
Author: Seneca
Chapter: On being
Location: Chapter 58, Section 6
Content:
6.
You will say, I suppose: “What is the purpose and meaning of this preamble?” I shall not keep you in the dark; I desire, if possible, to say the word essentia to you and obtain a favourable hearing.
If I cannot do this, I shall risk it even though it put you out of humour.
I have Cicero, as authority for the use of this word, and I regard him as a powerful authority.
If you desire testimony of a later date, I shall cite Fabianus, careful of speech, cultivated, and so polished in style that he will suit even our nice tastes.
For what can we do, my dear Lucilius?
How otherwise can we find a word for that which the Greeks call οὐσία, something that is indispensable, something that is the natural substratum of everything?
I beg you accordingly to allow me to use this word essentia.
I shall nevertheless take pains to exercise the privilege, which you have granted me, with as sparing a hand as possible; perhaps I shall be content with the mere right.