15.
Virtue is not changed by the matter with which it deals; if the matter is hard and stubborn, it does not make the virtue worse; if pleasant and joyous, it does not make it better.
Therefore, virtue necessarily remains equal.
For, in each case, what is done is done with equal uprightness, with equal wisdom, and with equal honour.
Hence the states of goodness involved are equal, and it is impossible for a man to transcend these states of goodness by conducting himself better, either the one man in his joy, or the other amid his suffering.
And two goods, neither of which can possibly be better, are equal.
Book: Moral Letters Vol II
Subtitle: Seneca's timeless letters of advice and wisdom.
Author: Seneca
Chapter: On various aspects of virtue
Location: Chapter 66, Section 15
Content:
15.
Virtue is not changed by the matter with which it deals; if the matter is hard and stubborn, it does not make the virtue worse; if pleasant and joyous, it does not make it better.
Therefore, virtue necessarily remains equal.
For, in each case, what is done is done with equal uprightness, with equal wisdom, and with equal honour.
Hence the states of goodness involved are equal, and it is impossible for a man to transcend these states of goodness by conducting himself better, either the one man in his joy, or the other amid his suffering.
And two goods, neither of which can possibly be better, are equal.