On reforming hardened sinners
112:3
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.
3.
Now this person, concerning whom you have sent me your message in writing, has no strength; for he has pampered his vices.
He has at one and the same time become flabby and hardened.
He cannot receive reason, nor can he nourish it. “But,” you say, “he desires reason of his own free will.” Don’t believe him.
Of course I do not mean that he is lying to you; for he really thinks that he desires it.
Luxury has merely upset his stomach; he will soon become reconciled to it again.
Book: Moral Letters Vol III
Subtitle: Seneca's timeless letters of advice and wisdom.
Author: Seneca
Chapter: On reforming hardened sinners
Location: Chapter 112, Section 3
Content:
3.
Now this person, concerning whom you have sent me your message in writing, has no strength; for he has pampered his vices.
He has at one and the same time become flabby and hardened.
He cannot receive reason, nor can he nourish it. “But,” you say, “he desires reason of his own free will.” Don’t believe him.
Of course I do not mean that he is lying to you; for he really thinks that he desires it.
Luxury has merely upset his stomach; he will soon become reconciled to it again.