8.
There are times, nevertheless, when a man, even though certain death impends and he knows that torture is in store for him, will refrain from lending a hand to his own punishment, to himself, however, he would lend a hand.
It is folly to die through fear of dying.
The executioner is upon you; wait for him.
Why anticipate him?
Why assume the management of a cruel task that belongs to another?
Do you grudge your executioner his privilege, or do you merely relieve him of his task?
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 8
Content:
8.
There are times, nevertheless, when a man, even though certain death impends and he knows that torture is in store for him, will refrain from lending a hand to his own punishment, to himself, however, he would lend a hand.
It is folly to die through fear of dying.
The executioner is upon you; wait for him.
Why anticipate him?
Why assume the management of a cruel task that belongs to another?
Do you grudge your executioner his privilege, or do you merely relieve him of his task?