1.
The subject concerning which you question me was once clear to my mind, and required no thought, so thoroughly had I mastered it.
But I have not tested my memory of it for some time, and therefore it does not readily come back to me.
I feel that I have suffered the fate of a book whose rolls have stuck together by disuse; my mind needs to be unrolled, and whatever has been stored away there ought to be examined from time to time, so that it may be ready for use when occasion demands.
Let us therefore put this subject off for the present; for it demands much labour and much care.
As soon as I can hope to stay for any length of time in the same place, I shall then take your question in hand.
Book: Moral Letters Vol II
Subtitle: Seneca's timeless letters of advice and wisdom.
Author: Seneca
Chapter: On business as the enemy of philosophy
Location: Chapter 72, Section 1
Content:
1.
The subject concerning which you question me was once clear to my mind, and required no thought, so thoroughly had I mastered it.
But I have not tested my memory of it for some time, and therefore it does not readily come back to me.
I feel that I have suffered the fate of a book whose rolls have stuck together by disuse; my mind needs to be unrolled, and whatever has been stored away there ought to be examined from time to time, so that it may be ready for use when occasion demands.
Let us therefore put this subject off for the present; for it demands much labour and much care.
As soon as I can hope to stay for any length of time in the same place, I shall then take your question in hand.