On the dangers of association with our fellow-men
103:2
Book Subtitle: Seneca's timeless letters of advice and wisdom.
Book Description: The final volume of Seneca's moral letters. Common Stoic themes emerge again and again: the unreliability of fortune, the ability to form Stoic resolve, and the importance of virtue.
2.
Even the storm, before it gathers, gives a warning; houses crack before they crash; and smoke is the forerunner of fire.
But damage from man is instantaneous, and the nearer it comes the more carefully it is concealed.
You are wrong to trust the countenances of those you meet.
They have the aspect of men, but the souls of brutes; the difference is that only beasts damage you at the first encounter; those whom they have passed by they do not pursue.
For nothing ever goads them to do harm except when need compels them: it is hunger or fear that forces them into a fight.
But man delights to ruin man.
Book: Moral Letters Vol III
Subtitle: Seneca's timeless letters of advice and wisdom.
Author: Seneca
Chapter: On the dangers of association with our fellow-men
Location: Chapter 103, Section 2
Content:
2.
Even the storm, before it gathers, gives a warning; houses crack before they crash; and smoke is the forerunner of fire.
But damage from man is instantaneous, and the nearer it comes the more carefully it is concealed.
You are wrong to trust the countenances of those you meet.
They have the aspect of men, but the souls of brutes; the difference is that only beasts damage you at the first encounter; those whom they have passed by they do not pursue.
For nothing ever goads them to do harm except when need compels them: it is hunger or fear that forces them into a fight.
But man delights to ruin man.