9.
Here is a question, however, which I should be glad to put: granted that all things are either good or bad or indifferent—in what class does being wise belong?
People deny that it is a Good; and, as it obviously is not an evil, it must consequently be one of the “media.” But we mean by the “medium,” or the “indifferent” quality that which can fall to the lot of the bad no less than to the good—such things as money, beauty, or high social position.
But the quality of being wise can fall to the lot of the good man alone; therefore being wise is not an indifferent quality.
Nor is it an evil, either; because it cannot fall to the lot of the bad man; therefore, it is a Good.
That which the good man alone can possess, is a Good; now being wise is the possession of the good man only; therefore it is a Good.
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 9
Content:
9.
Here is a question, however, which I should be glad to put: granted that all things are either good or bad or indifferent—in what class does being wise belong?
People deny that it is a Good; and, as it obviously is not an evil, it must consequently be one of the “media.” But we mean by the “medium,” or the “indifferent” quality that which can fall to the lot of the bad no less than to the good—such things as money, beauty, or high social position.
But the quality of being wise can fall to the lot of the good man alone; therefore being wise is not an indifferent quality.
Nor is it an evil, either; because it cannot fall to the lot of the bad man; therefore, it is a Good.
That which the good man alone can possess, is a Good; now being wise is the possession of the good man only; therefore it is a Good.