On the usefulness of basic principles
95:46
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.
47.
Precepts are commonly given as to how the gods should be worshipped.
But let us forbid lamps to be lighted on the Sabbath, since the gods do not need light, neither do men take pleasure in soot.
Let us forbid men to offer morning salutation and to throng the doors of temples; mortal ambitions are attracted by such ceremonies, but God is worshipped by those who truly know Him.
Let us forbid bringing towels and flesh-scrapers to Jupiter, and proffering mirrors to Juno; for God seeks no servants.
Of course not; he himself does service to mankind, everywhere and to all he is at hand to help.
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 46
Content:
47.
Precepts are commonly given as to how the gods should be worshipped.
But let us forbid lamps to be lighted on the Sabbath, since the gods do not need light, neither do men take pleasure in soot.
Let us forbid men to offer morning salutation and to throng the doors of temples; mortal ambitions are attracted by such ceremonies, but God is worshipped by those who truly know Him.
Let us forbid bringing towels and flesh-scrapers to Jupiter, and proffering mirrors to Juno; for God seeks no servants.
Of course not; he himself does service to mankind, everywhere and to all he is at hand to help.