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Moral Letters Vol III

Seneca

§ Section 19

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120:19

Book Subtitle: Seneca's timeless letters of advice and wisdom.

Book Description: The final volume of Seneca's moral letters. Common Stoic themes emerge again and again: the unreliability of fortune, the ability to form Stoic resolve, and the importance of virtue.

19.

When we see a person of such steadfastness, how can we help being conscious of the image of a nature so unusual?

Particularly if, as I remarked, it was shown to be true greatness by its consistency.

It is indeed consistency that abides; false things do not last.

Some men are like Vatinius or like Cato by turns; at times they do not think even Curius stern enough, or Fabricius poor enough, or Tubero sufficiently frugal and contented with simple things; while at other times they vie with Licinus in wealth, with Apicius in banqueting, or with Maecenas in daintiness.