31. “What,” you ask, “will the wise man experience no emotion like disturbance of spirit?
Will not his features change colour, his countenance be agitated, and his limbs grow cold?
And there are other things which we do, not under the influence of the will, but unconsciously and as the result of a sort of natural impulse.” I admit that this is true; but the sage will retain the firm belief that none of these things is evil, or important enough to make a healthy mind break down.
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 31
Content:
31. “What,” you ask, “will the wise man experience no emotion like disturbance of spirit?
Will not his features change colour, his countenance be agitated, and his limbs grow cold?
And there are other things which we do, not under the influence of the will, but unconsciously and as the result of a sort of natural impulse.” I admit that this is true; but the sage will retain the firm belief that none of these things is evil, or important enough to make a healthy mind break down.