8.
Again, it makes no difference how great the passion is; no matter what its size may be, it knows no obedience, and does not welcome advice.
Just as no animal, whether wild or tamed and gentle, obeys reason, since nature made it deaf to advice; so the passions do not follow or listen, however slight they are.
Tigers and lions never put off their wildness; they sometimes moderate it, and then, when you are least prepared, their softened fierceness is roused to madness.
Vices are never genuinely tamed.
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 7
Content:
8.
Again, it makes no difference how great the passion is; no matter what its size may be, it knows no obedience, and does not welcome advice.
Just as no animal, whether wild or tamed and gentle, obeys reason, since nature made it deaf to advice; so the passions do not follow or listen, however slight they are.
Tigers and lions never put off their wildness; they sometimes moderate it, and then, when you are least prepared, their softened fierceness is roused to madness.
Vices are never genuinely tamed.