33.
Besides, our minds are accustomed to entertain rather than to cure themselves, to make an aesthetic pleasure out of philosophy, when philosophy should really be a remedy.
What the distinction is between wisdom and being wise I do not know; but I do know that it makes no difference to me whether I know such matters or am ignorant of them.
Tell me: when I have found out the difference between wisdom and being wise, shall I be wise?
Why then do you occupy me with the words rather than with the works of wisdom?
Make me braver, make me calmer, make me the equal of Fortune, make me her superior.
And I can be her superior, if I apply to this end everything that I learn.
Farewell.
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 33
Content:
33.
Besides, our minds are accustomed to entertain rather than to cure themselves, to make an aesthetic pleasure out of philosophy, when philosophy should really be a remedy.
What the distinction is between wisdom and being wise I do not know; but I do know that it makes no difference to me whether I know such matters or am ignorant of them.
Tell me: when I have found out the difference between wisdom and being wise, shall I be wise?
Why then do you occupy me with the words rather than with the works of wisdom?
Make me braver, make me calmer, make me the equal of Fortune, make me her superior.
And I can be her superior, if I apply to this end everything that I learn.
Farewell.