9.
There are animals without reason, there are animals not yet endowed with reason, and there are animals who possess reason, but only incompletely; in none of these does the Good exist, for it is reason that brings the Good in its company.
What, then, is the distinction between the classes which I have mentioned?
In that which does not possess reason, the Good will never exist.
In that which is not yet endowed with reason, the Good cannot be existent at the time.
And in that which possesses reason but only incompletely, the Good is capable of existing, but does not yet exist.
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 9
Content:
9.
There are animals without reason, there are animals not yet endowed with reason, and there are animals who possess reason, but only incompletely; in none of these does the Good exist, for it is reason that brings the Good in its company.
What, then, is the distinction between the classes which I have mentioned?
In that which does not possess reason, the Good will never exist.
In that which is not yet endowed with reason, the Good cannot be existent at the time.
And in that which possesses reason but only incompletely, the Good is capable of existing, but does not yet exist.