17.
Other things are goods according to opinion, and though they are called by the same name as the true goods, the essence of goodness is not in them.
Let us therefore call them “advantages,” and, to use our technical term, “preferred” things.
Let us, however, recognize that they are our chattels, not parts of ourselves; and let us have them in our possession, but take heed to remember that they are outside ourselves.
Even though they are in our possession, they are to be reckoned as things subordinate and poor, the possession of which gives no man a right to plume himself.
For what is more foolish than being self-complacent about something which one has not accomplished by one’s own efforts?
Book: Moral Letters Vol II
Subtitle: Seneca's timeless letters of advice and wisdom.
Author: Seneca
Chapter: On virtue as a refuge from worldly distractions
Location: Chapter 74, Section 17
Content:
17.
Other things are goods according to opinion, and though they are called by the same name as the true goods, the essence of goodness is not in them.
Let us therefore call them “advantages,” and, to use our technical term, “preferred” things.
Let us, however, recognize that they are our chattels, not parts of ourselves; and let us have them in our possession, but take heed to remember that they are outside ourselves.
Even though they are in our possession, they are to be reckoned as things subordinate and poor, the possession of which gives no man a right to plume himself.
For what is more foolish than being self-complacent about something which one has not accomplished by one’s own efforts?