22.
Why, pray, do you foster and practise your bodily strength?
Nature has granted strength in greater degree to cattle and wild beasts.
Why cultivate your beauty?
After all your efforts, dumb animals surpass you in comeliness.
Why dress your hair with such unending attention?
Though you let it down in Parthian fashion, or tie it up in the German style, or, as the Scythians do, let it flow wild—yet you will see a mane of greater thickness tossing upon any horse you choose, and a mane of greater beauty bristling upon the neck of any lion.
And even after training yourself for speed, you will be no match for the hare.
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 22
Content:
22.
Why, pray, do you foster and practise your bodily strength?
Nature has granted strength in greater degree to cattle and wild beasts.
Why cultivate your beauty?
After all your efforts, dumb animals surpass you in comeliness.
Why dress your hair with such unending attention?
Though you let it down in Parthian fashion, or tie it up in the German style, or, as the Scythians do, let it flow wild—yet you will see a mane of greater thickness tossing upon any horse you choose, and a mane of greater beauty bristling upon the neck of any lion.
And even after training yourself for speed, you will be no match for the hare.