14.
How long did men believe Democritus to be mad!
Glory barely came to Socrates.
And how long did our state remain in ignorance of Cato!
They rejected him, and did not know his worth until they had lost him.
If Rutilius had not resigned himself to wrong, his innocence and virtue would have escaped notice; the hour of his suffering was the hour of his triumph.
Did he not give thanks for his lot, and welcome his exile with open arms?
I have mentioned thus far those to whom Fortune has brought renown at the very moment of persecution; but how many there are whose progress toward virtue has come to light only after their death!
And how many have been ruined, not rescued, by their reputation?
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 14
Content:
14.
How long did men believe Democritus to be mad!
Glory barely came to Socrates.
And how long did our state remain in ignorance of Cato!
They rejected him, and did not know his worth until they had lost him.
If Rutilius had not resigned himself to wrong, his innocence and virtue would have escaped notice; the hour of his suffering was the hour of his triumph.
Did he not give thanks for his lot, and welcome his exile with open arms?
I have mentioned thus far those to whom Fortune has brought renown at the very moment of persecution; but how many there are whose progress toward virtue has come to light only after their death!
And how many have been ruined, not rescued, by their reputation?