43.
What else but joy could it be to wander among the marvels which dotted the heavens far and wide?
But you of the present day shudder at every sound your houses make, and as you sit among your frescoes the slightest creak makes you shrink in terror.
They had no houses as big as cities.
The air, the breezes blowing free through the open spaces, the flitting shade of crag or tree, springs crystal-clear and streams not spoiled by man’s work, whether by water-pipe or by any confinement of the channel, but running at will, and meadows beautiful without the use of art,—amid such scenes were their rude homes, adorned with rustic hand.
Such a dwelling was in accordance with nature; therein it was a joy to live, fearing neither the dwelling itself nor for its safety.
In these days, however, our houses constitute a large portion of our dread.
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 43
Content:
43.
What else but joy could it be to wander among the marvels which dotted the heavens far and wide?
But you of the present day shudder at every sound your houses make, and as you sit among your frescoes the slightest creak makes you shrink in terror.
They had no houses as big as cities.
The air, the breezes blowing free through the open spaces, the flitting shade of crag or tree, springs crystal-clear and streams not spoiled by man’s work, whether by water-pipe or by any confinement of the channel, but running at will, and meadows beautiful without the use of art,—amid such scenes were their rude homes, adorned with rustic hand.
Such a dwelling was in accordance with nature; therein it was a joy to live, fearing neither the dwelling itself nor for its safety.
In these days, however, our houses constitute a large portion of our dread.