2.
In order to discover one grateful person, it is worth while to make trial of many ungrateful ones.
No man has so unerring a hand when he confers benefits that he is not frequently deceived; it is well for the traveller to wander, that he may again cleave to the path.
After a shipwreck, sailors try the sea again.
The banker is not frightened away from the forum by the swindler.
If one were compelled to drop everything that caused trouble, life would soon grow dull amid sluggish idleness; but in your case this very condition may prompt you to become more charitable.
For when the outcome of any undertaking is unsure, you must try again and again, in order to succeed ultimately.
Book: Moral Letters Vol II
Subtitle: Seneca's timeless letters of advice and wisdom.
Author: Seneca
Chapter: On benefits
Location: Chapter 81, Section 2
Content:
2.
In order to discover one grateful person, it is worth while to make trial of many ungrateful ones.
No man has so unerring a hand when he confers benefits that he is not frequently deceived; it is well for the traveller to wander, that he may again cleave to the path.
After a shipwreck, sailors try the sea again.
The banker is not frightened away from the forum by the swindler.
If one were compelled to drop everything that caused trouble, life would soon grow dull amid sluggish idleness; but in your case this very condition may prompt you to become more charitable.
For when the outcome of any undertaking is unsure, you must try again and again, in order to succeed ultimately.