8.
Opponents speak thus: “You say, do you, that no good can be made up of things that are distinct?
Yet this renown, of which you speak, is simply the favourable opinion of good men.
For just as reputation does not consist of one person’s remarks, and as ill repute does not consist of one person’s disapproval, so renown does not mean that we have merely pleased one good person.
In order to constitute renown, the agreement of many distinguished and praiseworthy men is necessary.
But this results from the decision of a number—in other words, of persons who are distinct.
Therefore, it is not a good.
Book: Moral Letters Vol III
Subtitle: Seneca's timeless letters of advice and wisdom.
Author: Seneca
Chapter: On the intimations of our immortality
Location: Chapter 102, Section 8
Content:
8.
Opponents speak thus: “You say, do you, that no good can be made up of things that are distinct?
Yet this renown, of which you speak, is simply the favourable opinion of good men.
For just as reputation does not consist of one person’s remarks, and as ill repute does not consist of one person’s disapproval, so renown does not mean that we have merely pleased one good person.
In order to constitute renown, the agreement of many distinguished and praiseworthy men is necessary.
But this results from the decision of a number—in other words, of persons who are distinct.
Therefore, it is not a good.