20.
Do you wonder that it is of no use to run away from them?
That from which you are running, is within you.
Accordingly, reform your own self, get the burden off your own shoulders, and keep within safe limits the cravings which ought to be removed.
Wipe out from your soul all trace of sin.
If you would enjoy your travels, make healthy the companion of your travels.
As long as this companion is avaricious and mean, greed will stick to you; and while you consort with an overbearing man, your puffed-up ways will also stick close.
Live with a hangman, and you will never be rid of your cruelty.
If an adulterer be your club-mate, he will kindle the baser passions.
Book: Moral Letters Vol III
Subtitle: Seneca's timeless letters of advice and wisdom.
Author: Seneca
Chapter: On care of health and peace of mind
Location: Chapter 104, Section 20
Content:
20.
Do you wonder that it is of no use to run away from them?
That from which you are running, is within you.
Accordingly, reform your own self, get the burden off your own shoulders, and keep within safe limits the cravings which ought to be removed.
Wipe out from your soul all trace of sin.
If you would enjoy your travels, make healthy the companion of your travels.
As long as this companion is avaricious and mean, greed will stick to you; and while you consort with an overbearing man, your puffed-up ways will also stick close.
Live with a hangman, and you will never be rid of your cruelty.
If an adulterer be your club-mate, he will kindle the baser passions.