7.
I shall not appeal to the populace, like a conquered gladiator; let us come to close quarters, using our own weapons.
When something affects a given object, is it outside the object which it affects, or is it inside the object it affects?
If it is inside the object it affects, it is as corporeal as the object which it affects.
For nothing can affect another object without touching it, and that which touches is corporeal.
If it is outside, it withdraws after having affected the object.
And withdrawal means motion.
And that which possesses motion, is corporeal.
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 7
Content:
7.
I shall not appeal to the populace, like a conquered gladiator; let us come to close quarters, using our own weapons.
When something affects a given object, is it outside the object which it affects, or is it inside the object it affects?
If it is inside the object it affects, it is as corporeal as the object which it affects.
For nothing can affect another object without touching it, and that which touches is corporeal.
If it is outside, it withdraws after having affected the object.
And withdrawal means motion.
And that which possesses motion, is corporeal.