7.
Why do you tickle my ears?
Why do you entertain me?
There is other business at hand; I am to be cauterized, operated upon, or put on a diet.
That is why you were summoned to treat me!
You are required to cure a disease that is chronic and serious,—one which affects the general weal.
You have as serious a business on hand as a physician has during a plague.
Are you concerned about words?
Rejoice this instant if you can cope with things.
When shall you learn all that there is to learn?
When shall you so plant in your mind that which you have learned, that it cannot escape?
When shall you put it all into practice?
For it is not sufficient merely to commit these things to memory, like other matters; they must be practically tested.
He is not happy who only knows them, but he who does them.
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 7
Content:
7.
Why do you tickle my ears?
Why do you entertain me?
There is other business at hand; I am to be cauterized, operated upon, or put on a diet.
That is why you were summoned to treat me!
You are required to cure a disease that is chronic and serious,—one which affects the general weal.
You have as serious a business on hand as a physician has during a plague.
Are you concerned about words?
Rejoice this instant if you can cope with things.
When shall you learn all that there is to learn?
When shall you so plant in your mind that which you have learned, that it cannot escape?
When shall you put it all into practice?
For it is not sufficient merely to commit these things to memory, like other matters; they must be practically tested.
He is not happy who only knows them, but he who does them.