On real ethics as superior to syllogistic subtleties
117:1
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.
1.
You will be fabricating much trouble for me, and you will be unconsciously embroiling me in a great discussion, and in considerable bother, if you put such petty questions as these; for in settling them I cannot disagree with my fellow-Stoics without impairing my standing among them, nor can I subscribe to such ideas without impairing my conscience.
Your query is, whether the Stoic belief is true: that wisdom is a Good, but that being wise is not a Good.
I shall first set forth the Stoic view, and then I shall be bold enough to deliver my own opinion.
Book: Moral Letters Vol III
Subtitle: Seneca's timeless letters of advice and wisdom.
Author: Seneca
Chapter: On real ethics as superior to syllogistic subtleties
Location: Chapter 117, Section 1
Content:
1.
You will be fabricating much trouble for me, and you will be unconsciously embroiling me in a great discussion, and in considerable bother, if you put such petty questions as these; for in settling them I cannot disagree with my fellow-Stoics without impairing my standing among them, nor can I subscribe to such ideas without impairing my conscience.
Your query is, whether the Stoic belief is true: that wisdom is a Good, but that being wise is not a Good.
I shall first set forth the Stoic view, and then I shall be bold enough to deliver my own opinion.