14.
There are four natures which we should mention here: of the tree, animal, man, and God.
The last two, having reasoning power, are of the same nature, distinct only by virtue of the immortality of the one and the mortality of the other.
Of one of these, then—to wit God—it is Nature that perfects the Good; of the other—to wit man—pains and study do so.
All other things are perfect only in their particular nature, and not truly perfect, since they lack reason.
Indeed, to sum up, that alone is perfect which is perfect according to nature as a whole, and nature as a whole is possessed of reason.
Other things can be perfect according to their kind.
Book: Moral Letters Vol III
Subtitle: Seneca's timeless letters of advice and wisdom.
Author: Seneca
Chapter: On the true good as attained by reason
Location: Chapter 124, Section 14
Content:
14.
There are four natures which we should mention here: of the tree, animal, man, and God.
The last two, having reasoning power, are of the same nature, distinct only by virtue of the immortality of the one and the mortality of the other.
Of one of these, then—to wit God—it is Nature that perfects the Good; of the other—to wit man—pains and study do so.
All other things are perfect only in their particular nature, and not truly perfect, since they lack reason.
Indeed, to sum up, that alone is perfect which is perfect according to nature as a whole, and nature as a whole is possessed of reason.
Other things can be perfect according to their kind.