39. “But,” it is said, “they are not of avail in every case.” Well neither is philosophy; and yet philosophy is not on that account ineffectual and useless in the training of the soul.
Furthermore, is not philosophy the Law of Life?
Grant, if we will, that the laws do not avail; it does not necessarily follow that advice also should not avail.
On this ground, you ought to say that consolation does not avail, and warning, and exhortation, and scolding, and praising; since they are all varieties of advice.
It is by such methods that we arrive at a perfect condition of mind.
Book: Moral Letters Vol III
Subtitle: Seneca's timeless letters of advice and wisdom.
Author: Seneca
Chapter: On the value of advice
Location: Chapter 94, Section 39
Content:
39. “But,” it is said, “they are not of avail in every case.” Well neither is philosophy; and yet philosophy is not on that account ineffectual and useless in the training of the soul.
Furthermore, is not philosophy the Law of Life?
Grant, if we will, that the laws do not avail; it does not necessarily follow that advice also should not avail.
On this ground, you ought to say that consolation does not avail, and warning, and exhortation, and scolding, and praising; since they are all varieties of advice.
It is by such methods that we arrive at a perfect condition of mind.