6.
How many things are superfluous we fail to realize until they begin to be wanting; we merely used them not because we needed them but because we had them.
And how much do we acquire simply because our neighbours have acquired such things, or because most men possess them!
Many of our troubles may be explained from the fact that we live according to a pattern, and, instead of arranging our lives according to reason, are led astray by convention.
There are things which, if done by the few, we should refuse to imitate; yet when the majority have begun to do them, we follow along—just as if anything were more honourable because it is more frequent!
Furthermore, wrong views, when they have become prevalent, reach, in our eyes, the standard of righteousness.
Book: Moral Letters Vol III
Subtitle: Seneca's timeless letters of advice and wisdom.
Author: Seneca
Chapter: On the conflict between pleasure and virtue
Location: Chapter 123, Section 6
Content:
6.
How many things are superfluous we fail to realize until they begin to be wanting; we merely used them not because we needed them but because we had them.
And how much do we acquire simply because our neighbours have acquired such things, or because most men possess them!
Many of our troubles may be explained from the fact that we live according to a pattern, and, instead of arranging our lives according to reason, are led astray by convention.
There are things which, if done by the few, we should refuse to imitate; yet when the majority have begun to do them, we follow along—just as if anything were more honourable because it is more frequent!
Furthermore, wrong views, when they have become prevalent, reach, in our eyes, the standard of righteousness.