28. “That which, while we are desiring to attain it, involves us in many evils, is not a good.
But while we are desiring to attain riches, we become involved in many evils; therefore, riches are not a good,” “Your first premiss,” they say, “contains two meanings; one is: we become involved in many evils while we are desiring to attain riches.
But we also become involved in many evils while we are desiring to attain virtue.
One man, while travelling in order to prosecute his studies, suffers shipwreck, and another is taken captive.
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 28
Content:
28. “That which, while we are desiring to attain it, involves us in many evils, is not a good.
But while we are desiring to attain riches, we become involved in many evils; therefore, riches are not a good,” “Your first premiss,” they say, “contains two meanings; one is: we become involved in many evils while we are desiring to attain riches.
But we also become involved in many evils while we are desiring to attain virtue.
One man, while travelling in order to prosecute his studies, suffers shipwreck, and another is taken captive.