8.
These deeds and others of the same sort have revealed to us a picture of virtue.
I will add something which may perhaps astonish you: evil things have sometimes offered the appearance of what is honourable, and that which is best has been manifested through, its opposite.
For there are, as you know, vices which are next-door to virtues; and even that which is lost and debased can resemble that which is upright.
So the spendthrift falsely imitates the liberal man—although it matters a great deal whether a man knows how to give, or does not know how to save, his money.
I assure you, my dear Lucilius, there are many who do not give, but simply throw away; and I do not call a man liberal who is out of temper with his money.
Carelessness looks like ease, and rashness like bravery.
Book: Moral Letters Vol III
Subtitle: Seneca's timeless letters of advice and wisdom.
Author: Seneca
Chapter: More about virtue
Location: Chapter 120, Section 8
Content:
8.
These deeds and others of the same sort have revealed to us a picture of virtue.
I will add something which may perhaps astonish you: evil things have sometimes offered the appearance of what is honourable, and that which is best has been manifested through, its opposite.
For there are, as you know, vices which are next-door to virtues; and even that which is lost and debased can resemble that which is upright.
So the spendthrift falsely imitates the liberal man—although it matters a great deal whether a man knows how to give, or does not know how to save, his money.
I assure you, my dear Lucilius, there are many who do not give, but simply throw away; and I do not call a man liberal who is out of temper with his money.
Carelessness looks like ease, and rashness like bravery.