On philosophers and kings
73:13
Book Subtitle: Seneca's timeless letters of advice and wisdom.
Book Description: The second volume of Seneca's moral letters to Lucilius. Each letter contains Seneca's advice and wisdom won from a life of Roman politics.
13.
In what respect is Jupiter superior to our good man?
His goodness lasts longer; but the wise man does not set a lower value upon himself, just because his virtues are limited by a briefer span.
Or take two wise men; he who has died at a greater age is not happier than he whose virtue has been limited to fewer years: similarly, a god has no advantage over a wise man in point of happiness, even though he has such an advantage in point of years.
That virtue is not greater which lasts longer.
Book: Moral Letters Vol II
Subtitle: Seneca's timeless letters of advice and wisdom.
Author: Seneca
Chapter: On philosophers and kings
Location: Chapter 73, Section 13
Content:
13.
In what respect is Jupiter superior to our good man?
His goodness lasts longer; but the wise man does not set a lower value upon himself, just because his virtues are limited by a briefer span.
Or take two wise men; he who has died at a greater age is not happier than he whose virtue has been limited to fewer years: similarly, a god has no advantage over a wise man in point of happiness, even though he has such an advantage in point of years.
That virtue is not greater which lasts longer.