30.
The wise man, indeed, overcomes Fortune by his virtue, but many who profess wisdom are sometimes frightened by the most unsubstantial threats.
And at this stage it is a mistake on our part to make the same demands upon the wise man and upon the learner.
I still exhort myself to do that which I recommend; but my exhortations are not yet followed.
And even if this were the case, I should not have these principles so ready for practice, or so well trained, that they would rush to my assistance in every crisis.
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 30
Content:
30.
The wise man, indeed, overcomes Fortune by his virtue, but many who profess wisdom are sometimes frightened by the most unsubstantial threats.
And at this stage it is a mistake on our part to make the same demands upon the wise man and upon the learner.
I still exhort myself to do that which I recommend; but my exhortations are not yet followed.
And even if this were the case, I should not have these principles so ready for practice, or so well trained, that they would rush to my assistance in every crisis.