3.
A reply to this is: “If virtue is a living thing, then virtue itself possesses virtue.” Of course it possesses its own self!
Just as the wise man does everything by reason of virtue, so virtue accomplishes everything by reason of itself. “In that case,” say they, “all the arts also are living things, and all our thoughts and all that the mind comprehends.
It therefore follows that many thousands of living things dwell in man’s tiny heart, and that each individual among us consists of, or at least contains, many living beings.” Are you gravelled for an answer to this remark?
Each of these will be a living thing; but they will not be many separate living things.
And why?
I shall explain, if you will apply your subtlety and your concentration to my words.
Book: Moral Letters Vol III
Subtitle: Seneca's timeless letters of advice and wisdom.
Author: Seneca
Chapter: On the vitality of the soul and its attributes
Location: Chapter 113, Section 3
Content:
3.
A reply to this is: “If virtue is a living thing, then virtue itself possesses virtue.” Of course it possesses its own self!
Just as the wise man does everything by reason of virtue, so virtue accomplishes everything by reason of itself. “In that case,” say they, “all the arts also are living things, and all our thoughts and all that the mind comprehends.
It therefore follows that many thousands of living things dwell in man’s tiny heart, and that each individual among us consists of, or at least contains, many living beings.” Are you gravelled for an answer to this remark?
Each of these will be a living thing; but they will not be many separate living things.
And why?
I shall explain, if you will apply your subtlety and your concentration to my words.