12.
When we hear such words as these, we are led towards a confession of the truth.
Even men in whose opinion nothing is enough, wonder and applaud when they hear such words, and swear eternal hatred against money.
When you see them thus disposed, strike home, keep at them, and charge them with this duty, dropping all double meanings, syllogisms, hair-splitting, and the other side-shows of ineffective smartness.
Preach against greed, preach against high living; and when you notice that you have made progress and impressed the minds of your hearers, lay on still harder.
You cannot imagine how much progress can be brought about by an address of that nature, when you are bent on curing your hearers and are absolutely devoted to their best interests.
For when the mind is young, it may most easily be won over to desire what is honourable and upright; truth, if she can obtain a suitable pleader, will lay strong hands upon those who can still be taught, those who have been but superficially spoiled.
Book: Moral Letters Vol III
Subtitle: Seneca's timeless letters of advice and wisdom.
Author: Seneca
Chapter: On the approaches to philosophy
Location: Chapter 108, Section 12
Content:
12.
When we hear such words as these, we are led towards a confession of the truth.
Even men in whose opinion nothing is enough, wonder and applaud when they hear such words, and swear eternal hatred against money.
When you see them thus disposed, strike home, keep at them, and charge them with this duty, dropping all double meanings, syllogisms, hair-splitting, and the other side-shows of ineffective smartness.
Preach against greed, preach against high living; and when you notice that you have made progress and impressed the minds of your hearers, lay on still harder.
You cannot imagine how much progress can be brought about by an address of that nature, when you are bent on curing your hearers and are absolutely devoted to their best interests.
For when the mind is young, it may most easily be won over to desire what is honourable and upright; truth, if she can obtain a suitable pleader, will lay strong hands upon those who can still be taught, those who have been but superficially spoiled.