6. but our Stoic friend, a rare man, and, to praise him in language which he deserves, a man of courage and vigour admonished him best of all, as it seems to me.
For he began as follows: “Do not torment yourself, my dear Marcellinus, as if the question which you are weighing were a matter of importance.
It is not an important matter to live; all your slaves live, and so do all animals; but it is important to die honourably, sensibly, bravely.
Reflect how long you have been doing the same thing: food, sleep, lust,—this is one’s daily round.
The desire to die may be felt, not only by the sensible man or the brave or unhappy man, but even by the man who is merely surfeited.”
Book: Moral Letters Vol II
Subtitle: Seneca's timeless letters of advice and wisdom.
Author: Seneca
Chapter: On taking one's own life
Location: Chapter 77, Section 6
Content:
6. but our Stoic friend, a rare man, and, to praise him in language which he deserves, a man of courage and vigour admonished him best of all, as it seems to me.
For he began as follows: “Do not torment yourself, my dear Marcellinus, as if the question which you are weighing were a matter of importance.
It is not an important matter to live; all your slaves live, and so do all animals; but it is important to die honourably, sensibly, bravely.
Reflect how long you have been doing the same thing: food, sleep, lust,—this is one’s daily round.
The desire to die may be felt, not only by the sensible man or the brave or unhappy man, but even by the man who is merely surfeited.”