4.
Birds that are being prepared for the banquet, that they may be easily fattened through lack of exercise, are kept in darkness; and similarly, if men vegetate without physical activity, their idle bodies are overwhelmed with flesh, and in their self-satisfied retirement the fat of indolence grows upon them.
Moreover, the bodies of those who have sworn allegiance to the hours of darkness have a loathsome appearance.
Their complexions are more alarming than those of anaemic invalids; they are lackadaisical and flabby with dropsy; though still alive, they are already carrion.
But this, to my thinking, would be among the least of their evils.
How much more darkness there is in their souls!
Such a man is internally dazed; his vision is darkened; he envies the blind.
And what man ever had eyes for the purpose of seeing in the dark?
Book: Moral Letters Vol III
Subtitle: Seneca's timeless letters of advice and wisdom.
Author: Seneca
Chapter: On darkness as a veil for wickedness
Location: Chapter 122, Section 4
Content:
4.
Birds that are being prepared for the banquet, that they may be easily fattened through lack of exercise, are kept in darkness; and similarly, if men vegetate without physical activity, their idle bodies are overwhelmed with flesh, and in their self-satisfied retirement the fat of indolence grows upon them.
Moreover, the bodies of those who have sworn allegiance to the hours of darkness have a loathsome appearance.
Their complexions are more alarming than those of anaemic invalids; they are lackadaisical and flabby with dropsy; though still alive, they are already carrion.
But this, to my thinking, would be among the least of their evils.
How much more darkness there is in their souls!
Such a man is internally dazed; his vision is darkened; he envies the blind.
And what man ever had eyes for the purpose of seeing in the dark?