40.
Do you suppose that he is weighed down by evils?
He makes use of them.
It was not of ivory only that Phidias knew how to make statues; he also made statues of bronze.
If you had given him marble, or a still meaner material, he would have made of it the best statue that the material would permit.
So the wise man will develop virtue, if he may, in the midst of wealth, or, if not, in poverty; if possible, in his own country—if not, in exile; if possible, as a commander—if not, as a common soldier; if possible, in sound health—if not, enfeebled.
Whatever fortune he finds, he will accomplish therefrom something noteworthy.
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 39
Content:
40.
Do you suppose that he is weighed down by evils?
He makes use of them.
It was not of ivory only that Phidias knew how to make statues; he also made statues of bronze.
If you had given him marble, or a still meaner material, he would have made of it the best statue that the material would permit.
So the wise man will develop virtue, if he may, in the midst of wealth, or, if not, in poverty; if possible, in his own country—if not, in exile; if possible, as a commander—if not, as a common soldier; if possible, in sound health—if not, enfeebled.
Whatever fortune he finds, he will accomplish therefrom something noteworthy.