5.
We understood what bodily health was: and from this basis we deduced the existence of a certain mental health also.
We knew, too, bodily strength, and from this basis we inferred the existence of mental sturdiness.
Kindly deeds, humane deeds, brave deeds, had at times amazed us; so we began to admire them as if they were perfect.
Underneath, however, there were many faults, hidden by the appearance and the brilliancy of certain conspicuous acts; to these we shut our eyes.
Nature bids us amplify praiseworthy things: everyone exalts renown beyond the truth.
And thus from such deeds we deduced the conception of some great good.
Book: Moral Letters Vol III
Subtitle: Seneca's timeless letters of advice and wisdom.
Author: Seneca
Chapter: More about virtue
Location: Chapter 120, Section 5
Content:
5.
We understood what bodily health was: and from this basis we deduced the existence of a certain mental health also.
We knew, too, bodily strength, and from this basis we inferred the existence of mental sturdiness.
Kindly deeds, humane deeds, brave deeds, had at times amazed us; so we began to admire them as if they were perfect.
Underneath, however, there were many faults, hidden by the appearance and the brilliancy of certain conspicuous acts; to these we shut our eyes.
Nature bids us amplify praiseworthy things: everyone exalts renown beyond the truth.
And thus from such deeds we deduced the conception of some great good.