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Moral Letters Vol III

Seneca

§ Section 45

On the usefulness of basic principles

95:45

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.

46.

Life without ideals is erratic: as soon as an ideal is to be set up, doctrines begin to be necessary.

I am sure you will admit that there is nothing more shameful than uncertain and wavering conduct, than the habit of timorous retreat.

This will be our experience in all cases unless we remove that which checks the spirit and clogs it, and keeps it from making an attempt and trying with all its might.