1.
You have been wishing to know my views with regard to liberal studies.
My answer is this: I respect no study, and deem no study good, which results in money-making.
Such studies are profit-bringing occupations, useful only in so far as they give the mind a preparation and do not engage it permanently.
One should linger upon them only so long as the mind can occupy itself with nothing greater; they are our apprenticeship, not our real work.
Book: Moral Letters Vol II
Subtitle: Seneca's timeless letters of advice and wisdom.
Author: Seneca
Chapter: On liberal and vocational studies
Location: Chapter 88, Section 1
Content:
1.
You have been wishing to know my views with regard to liberal studies.
My answer is this: I respect no study, and deem no study good, which results in money-making.
Such studies are profit-bringing occupations, useful only in so far as they give the mind a preparation and do not engage it permanently.
One should linger upon them only so long as the mind can occupy itself with nothing greater; they are our apprenticeship, not our real work.