9.
Every virtue is limitless; for limits depend upon definite measurements.
Constancy cannot advance further, any more than fidelity, or truthfulness, or loyalty.
What can be added to that which is perfect?
Nothing otherwise that was not perfect to which something has been added.
Nor can anything be added to virtue, either, for if anything can be added thereto, it must have contained a defect.
Honour, also, permits of no addition; for it is honourable because of the very qualities which I have mentioned.
What then?
Do you think that propriety, justice, lawfulness, do not also belong to the same type, and that they are kept within fixed limits?
The ability to increase is proof that a thing is still imperfect.
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 9
Content:
9.
Every virtue is limitless; for limits depend upon definite measurements.
Constancy cannot advance further, any more than fidelity, or truthfulness, or loyalty.
What can be added to that which is perfect?
Nothing otherwise that was not perfect to which something has been added.
Nor can anything be added to virtue, either, for if anything can be added thereto, it must have contained a defect.
Honour, also, permits of no addition; for it is honourable because of the very qualities which I have mentioned.
What then?
Do you think that propriety, justice, lawfulness, do not also belong to the same type, and that they are kept within fixed limits?
The ability to increase is proof that a thing is still imperfect.