10.
This is, accordingly, a consolation for excessive pain,—that you cannot help ceasing to feel it if you feel it to excess.
The reason, however, why the inexperienced are impatient when their bodies suffer is, that they have not accustomed themselves to be contented in spirit.
They have been closely associated with the body.
Therefore a high-minded and sensible man divorces soul from body, and dwells much with the better or divine part, and only as far as he must with this complaining and frail portion.
Book: Moral Letters Vol II
Subtitle: Seneca's timeless letters of advice and wisdom.
Author: Seneca
Chapter: On the healing power of the mind
Location: Chapter 78, Section 10
Content:
10.
This is, accordingly, a consolation for excessive pain,—that you cannot help ceasing to feel it if you feel it to excess.
The reason, however, why the inexperienced are impatient when their bodies suffer is, that they have not accustomed themselves to be contented in spirit.
They have been closely associated with the body.
Therefore a high-minded and sensible man divorces soul from body, and dwells much with the better or divine part, and only as far as he must with this complaining and frail portion.