4.
But the first men and those who sprang from them, still unspoiled, followed nature, having one man as both their leader and their law, entrusting themselves to the control of one better than themselves.
For nature has the habit of subjecting the weaker to the stronger.
Even among the dumb animals those which are either biggest or fiercest hold sway.
It is no weakling bull that leads the herd; it is one that has beaten the other males by his might and his muscle.
In the case of elephants, the tallest goes first; among men, the best is regarded as the highest.
That is why it was to the mind that a ruler was assigned; and for that reason the greatest happiness rested with those peoples among whom a man could not be the more powerful unless he were the better.
For that man can safely accomplish what he will who thinks he can do nothing except what he ought to do.
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 4
Content:
4.
But the first men and those who sprang from them, still unspoiled, followed nature, having one man as both their leader and their law, entrusting themselves to the control of one better than themselves.
For nature has the habit of subjecting the weaker to the stronger.
Even among the dumb animals those which are either biggest or fiercest hold sway.
It is no weakling bull that leads the herd; it is one that has beaten the other males by his might and his muscle.
In the case of elephants, the tallest goes first; among men, the best is regarded as the highest.
That is why it was to the mind that a ruler was assigned; and for that reason the greatest happiness rested with those peoples among whom a man could not be the more powerful unless he were the better.
For that man can safely accomplish what he will who thinks he can do nothing except what he ought to do.