Back to On liberal and vocational studies

Moral Letters Vol II

Seneca

§ Section 18

On liberal and vocational studies

88:18

Book Subtitle: Seneca's timeless letters of advice and wisdom.

Book Description: The second volume of Seneca's moral letters to Lucilius. Each letter contains Seneca's advice and wisdom won from a life of Roman politics.

18.

In this discussion you must bear with me if I do not follow the regular course.

For I do not consent to admit painting into the list of liberal arts, any more than sculpture, marble-working, and other helps toward luxury.

I also debar from the liberal studies wrestling and all knowledge that is compounded of oil and mud; otherwise, I should be compelled to admit perfumers also, and cooks, and all others who lend their wits to the service of our pleasures.