24.
Reason did indeed devise all these things, but it was not right reason.
It was man, but not the wise man, that discovered them; just as they invented ships, in which we cross rivers and seas—ships fitted with sails for the purpose of catching the force of the winds, ships with rudders added at the stern in order to turn the vessel’s course in one direction or another.
The model followed was the fish, which steers itself by its tail, and by its slightest motion on this side or on that bends its swift course.
Book: Moral Letters Vol II
Subtitle: Seneca's timeless letters of advice and wisdom.
Author: Seneca
Chapter: On the part played by philosophy in the progress of man
Location: Chapter 90, Section 24
Content:
24.
Reason did indeed devise all these things, but it was not right reason.
It was man, but not the wise man, that discovered them; just as they invented ships, in which we cross rivers and seas—ships fitted with sails for the purpose of catching the force of the winds, ships with rudders added at the stern in order to turn the vessel’s course in one direction or another.
The model followed was the fish, which steers itself by its tail, and by its slightest motion on this side or on that bends its swift course.