19.
Thus, I should never regard inactivity as a good; for even the tree-frog and the flea possess this quality.
Nor should I regard rest and freedom from trouble as a good; for what is more at leisure than a worm?
Do you ask what it is that produces the wise man?
That which produces a god.
You must grant that the wise man has in an element of godliness, heavenliness, grandeur.
The good does not come to every one, nor does it allow any random person to possess it.
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 19
Content:
19.
Thus, I should never regard inactivity as a good; for even the tree-frog and the flea possess this quality.
Nor should I regard rest and freedom from trouble as a good; for what is more at leisure than a worm?
Do you ask what it is that produces the wise man?
That which produces a god.
You must grant that the wise man has in an element of godliness, heavenliness, grandeur.
The good does not come to every one, nor does it allow any random person to possess it.