27.
Whether you draw a larger or a smaller circle, its size affects its area, not its shape.
One circle may remain as it is for a long time while you may contract the other forthwith, or even merge it completely with the sand in which it was drawn; yet each circle has had the same shape.
That which is straight is not judged by its size, or by its number, or by its duration; it can no more be made longer than it can be made shorter.
Scale down the honourable life as much as you like from the full hundred years, and reduce it to a single day; it is equally honourable.
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 27
Content:
27.
Whether you draw a larger or a smaller circle, its size affects its area, not its shape.
One circle may remain as it is for a long time while you may contract the other forthwith, or even merge it completely with the sand in which it was drawn; yet each circle has had the same shape.
That which is straight is not judged by its size, or by its number, or by its duration; it can no more be made longer than it can be made shorter.
Scale down the honourable life as much as you like from the full hundred years, and reduce it to a single day; it is equally honourable.