24. “But,” it is said, “is not the wise man happier if he has lived longer and has been distracted by no pain, than one who has always been compelled to grapple with evil fortune?” Answer me now,—is he any better or more honourable?
If he is not, then he is not happier either.
In order to live more happily, he must live more rightly; if he cannot do that, then he cannot live more happily either.
Virtue cannot be strained tighter, and therefore neither can the happy life, which depends on virtue.
For virtue is so great a good that it is not affected by such insignificant assaults upon it as shortness of life, pain, and the various bodily vexations.
For pleasure does not deserve that. virtue should even glance at it.
Book: Moral Letters Vol II
Subtitle: Seneca's timeless letters of advice and wisdom.
Author: Seneca
Chapter: On the happy life
Location: Chapter 92, Section 24
Content:
24. “But,” it is said, “is not the wise man happier if he has lived longer and has been distracted by no pain, than one who has always been compelled to grapple with evil fortune?” Answer me now,—is he any better or more honourable?
If he is not, then he is not happier either.
In order to live more happily, he must live more rightly; if he cannot do that, then he cannot live more happily either.
Virtue cannot be strained tighter, and therefore neither can the happy life, which depends on virtue.
For virtue is so great a good that it is not affected by such insignificant assaults upon it as shortness of life, pain, and the various bodily vexations.
For pleasure does not deserve that. virtue should even glance at it.