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Moral Letters Vol II

Seneca

§ Section 45

On various aspects of virtue

66:45

Book Subtitle: Seneca's timeless letters of advice and wisdom.

Book Description: The second volume of Seneca's moral letters to Lucilius. Each letter contains Seneca's advice and wisdom won from a life of Roman politics.

45.

You need not wonder that this is one of our principles; we find mentioned in the works of Epicurus two goods, of which his Supreme Good, or blessedness, is composed, namely, a body free from pain and a soul free from disturbance.

These goods, if they are complete, do not increase; for how can that which is complete increase?

The body is, let us suppose, free from pain; what increase can there be to this absence of pain?

The soul is composed and calm; what increase can there be to this tranquillity?