5.
He will mark in what place, with whom, and how he is to conduct his existence, and what he is about to do.
He always reflects concerning the quality, and not the quantity, of his life.
As soon as there are many events in his life that give him trouble and disturb his peace of mind, he sets himself free.
And this privilege is his, not only when the crisis is upon him, but as soon as Fortune seems to be playing him false; then he looks about carefully and sees whether he ought, or ought not, to end his life on that account.
He holds that it makes no difference to him whether his taking-off be natural or self-inflicted, whether it comes later or earlier.
He does not regard it with fear, as if it were a great loss; for no man can lose very much when but a driblet remains.
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 5
Content:
5.
He will mark in what place, with whom, and how he is to conduct his existence, and what he is about to do.
He always reflects concerning the quality, and not the quantity, of his life.
As soon as there are many events in his life that give him trouble and disturb his peace of mind, he sets himself free.
And this privilege is his, not only when the crisis is upon him, but as soon as Fortune seems to be playing him false; then he looks about carefully and sees whether he ought, or ought not, to end his life on that account.
He holds that it makes no difference to him whether his taking-off be natural or self-inflicted, whether it comes later or earlier.
He does not regard it with fear, as if it were a great loss; for no man can lose very much when but a driblet remains.