10.
I do not know whether this Aetna of yours can collapse and fall in ruins, whether this lofty summit, visible for many miles over the deep sea, is wasted by the incessant power of the flames; but I do know that virtue will not be brought down to a lower plane either by flames or by ruins.
Hers is the only greatness that knows no lowering; there can be for her no further rising or sinking.
Her stature, like that of the stars in the heavens, is fixed.
Let us therefore strive to raise ourselves to this altitude.
Book: Moral Letters Vol II
Subtitle: Seneca's timeless letters of advice and wisdom.
Author: Seneca
Chapter: On the rewards of scientific discovery
Location: Chapter 79, Section 10
Content:
10.
I do not know whether this Aetna of yours can collapse and fall in ruins, whether this lofty summit, visible for many miles over the deep sea, is wasted by the incessant power of the flames; but I do know that virtue will not be brought down to a lower plane either by flames or by ruins.
Hers is the only greatness that knows no lowering; there can be for her no further rising or sinking.
Her stature, like that of the stars in the heavens, is fixed.
Let us therefore strive to raise ourselves to this altitude.