17.
Alexander, king of Macedon, began to study geometry; unhappy man, because he would thereby learn how puny was that earth of which he had seized but a fraction!
Unhappy man, I repeat, because he was bound to understand that he was bearing a false title.
For who can be “great” in that which is puny?
The lessons which were being taught him were intricate and could be learned only by assiduous application; they were not the kind to be comprehended by a madman, who let his thoughts range beyond the ocean. “Teach me something easy!” he cries; but his teacher answers: “These things are the same for all, as hard for one as for another.”
Book: Moral Letters Vol II
Subtitle: Seneca's timeless letters of advice and wisdom.
Author: Seneca
Chapter: On the lesson to be drawn from the burning of Lyons
Location: Chapter 91, Section 17
Content:
17.
Alexander, king of Macedon, began to study geometry; unhappy man, because he would thereby learn how puny was that earth of which he had seized but a fraction!
Unhappy man, I repeat, because he was bound to understand that he was bearing a false title.
For who can be “great” in that which is puny?
The lessons which were being taught him were intricate and could be learned only by assiduous application; they were not the kind to be comprehended by a madman, who let his thoughts range beyond the ocean. “Teach me something easy!” he cries; but his teacher answers: “These things are the same for all, as hard for one as for another.”