38.
Besides, he is not prevented from helping others, even at the time when constraining circumstances press him down.
Because of his poverty he is prevented from showing how the State should be handled; but he teaches, none the less, how poverty should be handled.
His work goes on throughout his whole life.
Thus no fortune, no external circumstance, can shut off the wise man from action.
For the very thing which engages his attention prevents him from attending to other things.
He is ready for either outcome: if it brings goods, he controls them; if evils, he conquers them.
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 37
Content:
38.
Besides, he is not prevented from helping others, even at the time when constraining circumstances press him down.
Because of his poverty he is prevented from showing how the State should be handled; but he teaches, none the less, how poverty should be handled.
His work goes on throughout his whole life.
Thus no fortune, no external circumstance, can shut off the wise man from action.
For the very thing which engages his attention prevents him from attending to other things.
He is ready for either outcome: if it brings goods, he controls them; if evils, he conquers them.