26.
Why, then, should those goods which virtue bestows be incredible in the sight of us, who cultivate virtue, when they are found even in those who acknowledge pleasure as their mistress?
These also, ignoble and base-minded as they are, declare that even in the midst of excessive pain and misfortune the wise man will be neither wretched nor happy.
And yet this also is incredible,—nay, still more incredible than the other case.
For I do not understand how, if virtue falls from her heights, she can help being hurled all the way to the bottom.
She either must preserve one in happiness, or, if driven from this position, she will not prevent us from becoming unhappy.
If virtue only stands her ground, she cannot be driven from the field; she must either conquer or be conquered.
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 26
Content:
26.
Why, then, should those goods which virtue bestows be incredible in the sight of us, who cultivate virtue, when they are found even in those who acknowledge pleasure as their mistress?
These also, ignoble and base-minded as they are, declare that even in the midst of excessive pain and misfortune the wise man will be neither wretched nor happy.
And yet this also is incredible,—nay, still more incredible than the other case.
For I do not understand how, if virtue falls from her heights, she can help being hurled all the way to the bottom.
She either must preserve one in happiness, or, if driven from this position, she will not prevent us from becoming unhappy.
If virtue only stands her ground, she cannot be driven from the field; she must either conquer or be conquered.