21.
Yes, indeed; it was not a very elegant or becoming way to die; but what is more foolish than to be over-nice about dying?
What a brave fellow!
He surely deserved to be allowed to choose his fate!
How bravely he would have wielded a sword!
With what courage he would have hurled himself into the depths of the sea, or down a precipice!
Cut off from resources on every hand, he yet found a way to furnish himself with death, and with a weapon for death.
Hence you can understand that nothing but the will need postpone death.
Let each man judge the deed of this most zealous fellow as he likes, provided we agree on this point,—that the foulest death is preferable to the fairest slavery.
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 21
Content:
21.
Yes, indeed; it was not a very elegant or becoming way to die; but what is more foolish than to be over-nice about dying?
What a brave fellow!
He surely deserved to be allowed to choose his fate!
How bravely he would have wielded a sword!
With what courage he would have hurled himself into the depths of the sea, or down a precipice!
Cut off from resources on every hand, he yet found a way to furnish himself with death, and with a weapon for death.
Hence you can understand that nothing but the will need postpone death.
Let each man judge the deed of this most zealous fellow as he likes, provided we agree on this point,—that the foulest death is preferable to the fairest slavery.