24.
Now it makes a great deal of difference what you have in mind when you approach a given subject.
If a man is to be a scholar, and is examining the works of Vergil, he does not interpret the noble passage in the following sense: “We must wake up; unless we hasten, we shall be left behind.
Time rolls swiftly ahead, and rolls us with it.
We are hurried along ignorant of our destiny; we arrange all our plans for the future, and on the edge of a precipice are at our ease.” Instead of this, he brings to our attention how often Vergil, in speaking of the rapidity of time, uses the word “flies” (fugit).
The choicest days of hapless human life Fly first; disease and bitter eld succeed, And toil, till harsh death rudely snatches all.
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 24
Content:
24.
Now it makes a great deal of difference what you have in mind when you approach a given subject.
If a man is to be a scholar, and is examining the works of Vergil, he does not interpret the noble passage in the following sense: “We must wake up; unless we hasten, we shall be left behind.
Time rolls swiftly ahead, and rolls us with it.
We are hurried along ignorant of our destiny; we arrange all our plans for the future, and on the edge of a precipice are at our ease.” Instead of this, he brings to our attention how often Vergil, in speaking of the rapidity of time, uses the word “flies” (fugit).
The choicest days of hapless human life Fly first; disease and bitter eld succeed, And toil, till harsh death rudely snatches all.