32.
All goods, however, ought properly to be free from blame; they are pure, they do not corrupt the spirit, and they do not tempt us.
They do, indeed, uplift and broaden the spirit, but without puffing it up.
Those things which are goods produce confidence, but riches produce shamelessness.
The things which are goods give us greatness of soul, but riches give us arrogance.
And arrogance is nothing else than a false show of greatness.
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 32
Content:
32.
All goods, however, ought properly to be free from blame; they are pure, they do not corrupt the spirit, and they do not tempt us.
They do, indeed, uplift and broaden the spirit, but without puffing it up.
Those things which are goods produce confidence, but riches produce shamelessness.
The things which are goods give us greatness of soul, but riches give us arrogance.
And arrogance is nothing else than a false show of greatness.