16. “But as for me,” you say, “I hope that it is in me to rise to a higher rank than that!” I should pray, rather than promise, that we may attain this; we have been forestalled.
We hasten towards virtue while hampered by vices.
I am ashamed to say it; but we worship that which is honourable only in so far as we have time to spare.
But what a rich reward awaits us if only we break off the affairs which forestall us and the evils that cling to us with utter tenacity!
Book: Moral Letters Vol II
Subtitle: Seneca's timeless letters of advice and wisdom.
Author: Seneca
Chapter: On the diseases of the soul
Location: Chapter 75, Section 16
Content:
16. “But as for me,” you say, “I hope that it is in me to rise to a higher rank than that!” I should pray, rather than promise, that we may attain this; we have been forestalled.
We hasten towards virtue while hampered by vices.
I am ashamed to say it; but we worship that which is honourable only in so far as we have time to spare.
But what a rich reward awaits us if only we break off the affairs which forestall us and the evils that cling to us with utter tenacity!