2.
As often as you wish to know what is to be avoided or what is to be sought, consider its relation to the Supreme Good, to the purpose of your whole life.
For whatever we do ought to be in harmony with this; no man can set in order the details unless he has already set before himself the chief purpose of his life.
The artist may have his colours all prepared, but he cannot produce a likeness unless he has already made up his mind what he wishes to paint.
The reason we make mistakes is because we all consider the parts of life, but never life as a whole.
Book: Moral Letters Vol II
Subtitle: Seneca's timeless letters of advice and wisdom.
Author: Seneca
Chapter: On the supreme good
Location: Chapter 71, Section 2
Content:
2.
As often as you wish to know what is to be avoided or what is to be sought, consider its relation to the Supreme Good, to the purpose of your whole life.
For whatever we do ought to be in harmony with this; no man can set in order the details unless he has already set before himself the chief purpose of his life.
The artist may have his colours all prepared, but he cannot produce a likeness unless he has already made up his mind what he wishes to paint.
The reason we make mistakes is because we all consider the parts of life, but never life as a whole.