12.
The old masters of dialectic, however, distinguish between these two conceptions; and from them the classification has come right down to the Stoics.
What sort of a classification this is, I shall explain: A field is one thing, and the possession of the field another thing; of course, because “possessing the field” refers to the possessor rather than to the field itself.
Similarly, wisdom is one thing and being wise another.
You will grant, I suppose, that these two are separate ideas—the possessed and the possessor: wisdom being that which one possesses, and he who is wise its possessor.
Now wisdom is Mind perfected and developed to the highest and best degree.
For it is the art of life.
And what is being wise?
I cannot call it “Mind Perfected,” but rather that which falls to the lot of him who possesses a “mind perfected”; thus a good mind is one thing, and the so-called possession of a good mind another.
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 12
Content:
12.
The old masters of dialectic, however, distinguish between these two conceptions; and from them the classification has come right down to the Stoics.
What sort of a classification this is, I shall explain: A field is one thing, and the possession of the field another thing; of course, because “possessing the field” refers to the possessor rather than to the field itself.
Similarly, wisdom is one thing and being wise another.
You will grant, I suppose, that these two are separate ideas—the possessed and the possessor: wisdom being that which one possesses, and he who is wise its possessor.
Now wisdom is Mind perfected and developed to the highest and best degree.
For it is the art of life.
And what is being wise?
I cannot call it “Mind Perfected,” but rather that which falls to the lot of him who possesses a “mind perfected”; thus a good mind is one thing, and the so-called possession of a good mind another.