9.
First come those who have not yet attained wisdom but have already gained a place near by.
Yet even that which is not far away is still outside.
These, if you ask me, are men who have already laid aside all passions and vices, who have learned what things are to be embraced; but their assurance is not yet tested.
They have not yet put their good into practice, yet from now on they cannot slip back into the faults which they have escaped.
They have already arrived at a point from which there is no slipping back, but they are not yet aware of the fact; as I remember writing in another letter, “They are ignorant of their knowledge.” It has now been vouchsafed to them to enjoy their good, but not yet to be sure of it.
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 9
Content:
9.
First come those who have not yet attained wisdom but have already gained a place near by.
Yet even that which is not far away is still outside.
These, if you ask me, are men who have already laid aside all passions and vices, who have learned what things are to be embraced; but their assurance is not yet tested.
They have not yet put their good into practice, yet from now on they cannot slip back into the faults which they have escaped.
They have already arrived at a point from which there is no slipping back, but they are not yet aware of the fact; as I remember writing in another letter, “They are ignorant of their knowledge.” It has now been vouchsafed to them to enjoy their good, but not yet to be sure of it.