7.
Nothing, whether public or private, is stable; the destinies of men, no less than those of cities, are in a whirl.
Amid the greatest calm terror arises, and though no external agencies stir up commotion, yet evils burst forth from sources whence they were least expected.
Thrones which have stood the shock of civil and foreign wars crash to the ground though no one sets them tottering.
How few the states which have carried their good fortune through to the end!
We should therefore reflect upon all contingencies, and should fortify our minds against the evils which may possibly come.
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 7
Content:
7.
Nothing, whether public or private, is stable; the destinies of men, no less than those of cities, are in a whirl.
Amid the greatest calm terror arises, and though no external agencies stir up commotion, yet evils burst forth from sources whence they were least expected.
Thrones which have stood the shock of civil and foreign wars crash to the ground though no one sets them tottering.
How few the states which have carried their good fortune through to the end!
We should therefore reflect upon all contingencies, and should fortify our minds against the evils which may possibly come.