18.
Xenocrates and Speusippus hold that a man can become happy even by virtue alone, not, however, that that which is honourable is the only good.
Epicurus also decides that one who possesses virtue is happy, but that virtue of itself is not sufficient for the happy life, because the pleasure that results from virtue, and not virtue itself, makes one happy.
This is a futile distinction.
For the same philosopher declares that virtue never exists without pleasure; and therefore, if virtue is always connected with pleasure and always inseparable therefrom, virtue is of itself sufficient.
For virtue keeps pleasure in its company, and does not exist without it, even when alone.
Book: Moral Letters Vol II
Subtitle: Seneca's timeless letters of advice and wisdom.
Author: Seneca
Chapter: On some vain syllogisms
Location: Chapter 85, Section 17
Content:
18.
Xenocrates and Speusippus hold that a man can become happy even by virtue alone, not, however, that that which is honourable is the only good.
Epicurus also decides that one who possesses virtue is happy, but that virtue of itself is not sufficient for the happy life, because the pleasure that results from virtue, and not virtue itself, makes one happy.
This is a futile distinction.
For the same philosopher declares that virtue never exists without pleasure; and therefore, if virtue is always connected with pleasure and always inseparable therefrom, virtue is of itself sufficient.
For virtue keeps pleasure in its company, and does not exist without it, even when alone.