On the usefulness of basic principles
95:13
Book Subtitle: Seneca's timeless letters of advice and wisdom.
Book Description: The final volume of Seneca's moral letters. Common Stoic themes emerge again and again: the unreliability of fortune, the ability to form Stoic resolve, and the importance of virtue.
13.
People say: “The old-style wisdom advised only what one should do and avoid; and yet the men of former days were better men by far.
When savants have appeared, sages have become rare.
For that frank, simple virtue has changed into hidden and crafty knowledge; we are taught how to debate, not how to live.”
Book: Moral Letters Vol III
Subtitle: Seneca's timeless letters of advice and wisdom.
Author: Seneca
Chapter: On the usefulness of basic principles
Location: Chapter 95, Section 13
Content:
13.
People say: “The old-style wisdom advised only what one should do and avoid; and yet the men of former days were better men by far.
When savants have appeared, sages have become rare.
For that frank, simple virtue has changed into hidden and crafty knowledge; we are taught how to debate, not how to live.”