8.
Everything is estimated by the standard of its own good.
The vine is valued for its productiveness and the flavour of its wine, the stag for his speed.
We ask, with regard to beasts of burden, how sturdy of back they are; for their only use is to bear burdens.
If a dog is to find the trail of a wild beast, keenness of scent is of first importance; if to catch his quarry, swiftness of foot; if to attack and harry it, courage.
In each thing that quality should be best for which the thing is brought into being and by which it is judged.
Book: Moral Letters Vol II
Subtitle: Seneca's timeless letters of advice and wisdom.
Author: Seneca
Chapter: On learning wisdom in old age
Location: Chapter 76, Section 8
Content:
8.
Everything is estimated by the standard of its own good.
The vine is valued for its productiveness and the flavour of its wine, the stag for his speed.
We ask, with regard to beasts of burden, how sturdy of back they are; for their only use is to bear burdens.
If a dog is to find the trail of a wild beast, keenness of scent is of first importance; if to catch his quarry, swiftness of foot; if to attack and harry it, courage.
In each thing that quality should be best for which the thing is brought into being and by which it is judged.