14.
Since, therefore, philosophy is threefold, let us first begin to set in order the moral side.
It has been agreed that this should be divided into three parts.
First, we have the speculative part, which assigns to each thing its particular function and weighs the worth of each; it is highest in point of utility.
For what is so indispensable as giving to everything its proper value?
The second has to do with impulse, the third with actions.
For the first duty is to determine severally what things are worth; the second, to conceive with regard to them a regulated and ordered impulse; the third, to make your impulse and your actions harmonize, so that under all these conditions you may be consistent with yourself.
Book: Moral Letters Vol II
Subtitle: Seneca's timeless letters of advice and wisdom.
Author: Seneca
Chapter: On the parts of philosophy
Location: Chapter 89, Section 14
Content:
14.
Since, therefore, philosophy is threefold, let us first begin to set in order the moral side.
It has been agreed that this should be divided into three parts.
First, we have the speculative part, which assigns to each thing its particular function and weighs the worth of each; it is highest in point of utility.
For what is so indispensable as giving to everything its proper value?
The second has to do with impulse, the third with actions.
For the first duty is to determine severally what things are worth; the second, to conceive with regard to them a regulated and ordered impulse; the third, to make your impulse and your actions harmonize, so that under all these conditions you may be consistent with yourself.