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Moral Letters Vol II

Seneca

§ Section 3

On the part played by philosophy in the progress of man

90:3

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.

3.

Her sole function is to discover the truth about things divine and things human.

From her side religion never departs, nor duty, nor justice, nor any of the whole company of virtues which cling together in close-united fellowship.

Philosophy has taught us to worship that which is divine, to love that which is human; she has told us that with the gods lies dominion, and among men, fellowship.

This fellowship remained unspoiled for a long time, until avarice tore the community asunder and became the cause of poverty, even in the case of those whom she herself had most enriched.

For men cease to possess all things the moment they desire all things for their own.