On crowds
7:5
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.
5.
You may retort: “But he was a highway robber; he killed a man!” And what of it?
Granted that, as a murderer, he deserved this punishment, what crime have you committed, poor fellow, that you should deserve to sit and see this show?
In the morning they cried “Kill him!
Lash him!
Burn him!
Why does he meet the sword in so cowardly a way?
Why does he strike so feebly?
Why doesn’t he die game?
Whip him to meet his wounds!
Let them receive blow for blow, with chests bare and exposed to the stroke!” And when the games stop for the intermission, they announce: “A little throat-cutting in the meantime, so that there may still be something going on!” Come now; do you not understand even this truth, that a bad example reacts on the agent?
Thank the immortal gods that you are teaching cruelty to a person who cannot learn to be cruel.
Book: Moral Letters Vol I
Subtitle: Seneca's timeless letters of advice and wisdom.
Author: Seneca
Chapter: On crowds
Location: Chapter 7, Section 5
Content:
5.
You may retort: “But he was a highway robber; he killed a man!” And what of it?
Granted that, as a murderer, he deserved this punishment, what crime have you committed, poor fellow, that you should deserve to sit and see this show?
In the morning they cried “Kill him!
Lash him!
Burn him!
Why does he meet the sword in so cowardly a way?
Why does he strike so feebly?
Why doesn’t he die game?
Whip him to meet his wounds!
Let them receive blow for blow, with chests bare and exposed to the stroke!” And when the games stop for the intermission, they announce: “A little throat-cutting in the meantime, so that there may still be something going on!” Come now; do you not understand even this truth, that a bad example reacts on the agent?
Thank the immortal gods that you are teaching cruelty to a person who cannot learn to be cruel.