29.
The second meaning is as follows: that through which we become involved in evils is not a good.
And it will not logically follow from our proposition that we become involved in evils through riches or through pleasure; otherwise, if it is through riches that we become involved in many evils, riches are not only not a good, but they are positively an evil.
You, however, maintain merely that they are not a good.
Moreover,” the objector says, “you grant that riches are of some use.
You reckon them among the advantages; and yet on this basis they cannot even be an advantage, for it is through the pursuit of riches that we suffer much disadvantage.”
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 29
Content:
29.
The second meaning is as follows: that through which we become involved in evils is not a good.
And it will not logically follow from our proposition that we become involved in evils through riches or through pleasure; otherwise, if it is through riches that we become involved in many evils, riches are not only not a good, but they are positively an evil.
You, however, maintain merely that they are not a good.
Moreover,” the objector says, “you grant that riches are of some use.
You reckon them among the advantages; and yet on this basis they cannot even be an advantage, for it is through the pursuit of riches that we suffer much disadvantage.”