4.
My dear Lucilius, you must distinguish between these cases; you will then comprehend that there is something in them that is to be desired.
I should prefer to be free from torture; but if the time comes when it must be endured, I shall desire that I may conduct myself therein with bravery, honour, and courage.
Of course I prefer that war should not occur; but if war does occur, I shall desire that I may nobly endure the wounds, the starvation, and all that the exigency of war brings.
Nor am I so mad as to crave illness; but if I must suffer illness, I shall desire that I may do nothing which shows lack of restraint, and nothing that is unmanly.
The conclusion is, not that hardships are desirable, but that virtue is desirable, which enables us patiently to endure hardships.
Book: Moral Letters Vol II
Subtitle: Seneca's timeless letters of advice and wisdom.
Author: Seneca
Chapter: On ill-health and endurance of suffering
Location: Chapter 67, Section 4
Content:
4.
My dear Lucilius, you must distinguish between these cases; you will then comprehend that there is something in them that is to be desired.
I should prefer to be free from torture; but if the time comes when it must be endured, I shall desire that I may conduct myself therein with bravery, honour, and courage.
Of course I prefer that war should not occur; but if war does occur, I shall desire that I may nobly endure the wounds, the starvation, and all that the exigency of war brings.
Nor am I so mad as to crave illness; but if I must suffer illness, I shall desire that I may do nothing which shows lack of restraint, and nothing that is unmanly.
The conclusion is, not that hardships are desirable, but that virtue is desirable, which enables us patiently to endure hardships.