11.
No general statement can be made, therefore, with regard to the question whether, when a power beyond our control threatens us with death, we should anticipate death, or await it.
For there are many arguments to pull us in either direction.
If one death is accompanied by torture, and the other is simple and easy, why not snatch the latter?
Just as I shall select my ship when I am about to go on a voyage or my house when I propose to take a residence, so I shall choose my death when I am about to depart from life.
Book: Moral Letters Vol II
Subtitle: Seneca's timeless letters of advice and wisdom.
Author: Seneca
Chapter: On the proper time to slip the cable
Location: Chapter 70, Section 11
Content:
11.
No general statement can be made, therefore, with regard to the question whether, when a power beyond our control threatens us with death, we should anticipate death, or await it.
For there are many arguments to pull us in either direction.
If one death is accompanied by torture, and the other is simple and easy, why not snatch the latter?
Just as I shall select my ship when I am about to go on a voyage or my house when I propose to take a residence, so I shall choose my death when I am about to depart from life.