11.
We have separated this perfect virtue into its several parts.
The desires had to be reined in, fear to be suppressed, proper actions to be arranged, debts to be paid; we therefore included self-restraint, bravery, prudence, and justice—assigning to each quality its special function.
How then have we formed the conception of virtue?
Virtue has been manifested to us by this man’s order, propriety, steadfastness, absolute harmony of action, and a greatness of soul that rises superior to everything.
Thence has been derived our conception of the happy life, which flows along with steady course, completely under its own control.
Book: Moral Letters Vol III
Subtitle: Seneca's timeless letters of advice and wisdom.
Author: Seneca
Chapter: More about virtue
Location: Chapter 120, Section 11
Content:
11.
We have separated this perfect virtue into its several parts.
The desires had to be reined in, fear to be suppressed, proper actions to be arranged, debts to be paid; we therefore included self-restraint, bravery, prudence, and justice—assigning to each quality its special function.
How then have we formed the conception of virtue?
Virtue has been manifested to us by this man’s order, propriety, steadfastness, absolute harmony of action, and a greatness of soul that rises superior to everything.
Thence has been derived our conception of the happy life, which flows along with steady course, completely under its own control.