22. “Good does not result from evil.
But riches result from greed; therefore, riches are not a good.” “It is not true,” they say, “that good does not result from evil.
For money comes from sacrilege and theft.
Accordingly, although sacrilege and theft are evil, yet they are evil only because they work more evil than good.
For they bring gain; but the gain is accompanied by fear, anxiety, and torture of mind and body.”
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 22
Content:
22. “Good does not result from evil.
But riches result from greed; therefore, riches are not a good.” “It is not true,” they say, “that good does not result from evil.
For money comes from sacrilege and theft.
Accordingly, although sacrilege and theft are evil, yet they are evil only because they work more evil than good.
For they bring gain; but the gain is accompanied by fear, anxiety, and torture of mind and body.”