16.
These arts, however, make no profession of greatness of soul; they do not rise to any heights nor do they frown upon what fortune may bring.
It is virtue that uplifts man and places him superior to what mortals hold dear; virtue neither craves overmuch nor fears to excess that which is called good or that which is called bad.
Chelidon, one of Cleopatra’s eunuchs, possessed great wealth; and recently Natalis—a man whose tongue was as shameless as it was dirty, a man whose mouth used to perform the vilest offices—was the heir of many, and also made many his heirs.
What then?
Was it his money that made him unclean, or did he himself besmirch his money?
Money tumbles into the hands of certain men as a shilling tumbles down a sewer.
Book: Moral Letters Vol II
Subtitle: Seneca's timeless letters of advice and wisdom.
Author: Seneca
Chapter: Some arguments in favour of the simple life
Location: Chapter 87, Section 16
Content:
16.
These arts, however, make no profession of greatness of soul; they do not rise to any heights nor do they frown upon what fortune may bring.
It is virtue that uplifts man and places him superior to what mortals hold dear; virtue neither craves overmuch nor fears to excess that which is called good or that which is called bad.
Chelidon, one of Cleopatra’s eunuchs, possessed great wealth; and recently Natalis—a man whose tongue was as shameless as it was dirty, a man whose mouth used to perform the vilest offices—was the heir of many, and also made many his heirs.
What then?
Was it his money that made him unclean, or did he himself besmirch his money?
Money tumbles into the hands of certain men as a shilling tumbles down a sewer.