7.
But we define as “happy” those things that are in accord with Nature.
And that which is in accord with Nature is obvious and can be seen at once—just as easily as that which is complete.
That which is according to Nature, that which is given us as a gift immediately at our birth, is, I maintain, not a Good, but the beginning of a Good.
You, however, assign the Supreme Good, pleasure, to mere babies, so that the child at its birth begins at the point whither the perfected man arrives.
You are placing the tree-top where the root ought to be.
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 7
Content:
7.
But we define as “happy” those things that are in accord with Nature.
And that which is in accord with Nature is obvious and can be seen at once—just as easily as that which is complete.
That which is according to Nature, that which is given us as a gift immediately at our birth, is, I maintain, not a Good, but the beginning of a Good.
You, however, assign the Supreme Good, pleasure, to mere babies, so that the child at its birth begins at the point whither the perfected man arrives.
You are placing the tree-top where the root ought to be.