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Moral Letters Vol III

Seneca

§ Section 4

On facing the world with confidence

105:4

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.

4.

As to not being feared, a moderate fortune and an easy disposition will guarantee you that; men should know that you are the sort of person who can be offended without danger; and your reconciliation should be easy and sure.

Moreover, it is as troublesome to be feared at home as abroad; it is as bad to be feared by a slave as by a gentleman.

For every one has strength enough to do you some harm.

Besides, he who is feared, fears also; no one has been able to arouse terror and live in peace of mind.