51.
Then comes the second problem,—how to deal with men.
What is our purpose?
What precepts do we offer?
Should we bid them refrain from bloodshed?
What a little thing it is not to harm one whom you ought to help!
It is indeed worthy of great praise, when man treats man with kindness!
Shall we advise stretching forth the hand to the shipwrecked sailor, or pointing out the way to the wanderer, or sharing a crust with the starving?
Yes, if I can only tell you first everything which ought to be afforded or withheld; meantime, I can lay down for mankind a rule, in short compass, for our duties in human relationships:
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 50
Content:
51.
Then comes the second problem,—how to deal with men.
What is our purpose?
What precepts do we offer?
Should we bid them refrain from bloodshed?
What a little thing it is not to harm one whom you ought to help!
It is indeed worthy of great praise, when man treats man with kindness!
Shall we advise stretching forth the hand to the shipwrecked sailor, or pointing out the way to the wanderer, or sharing a crust with the starving?
Yes, if I can only tell you first everything which ought to be afforded or withheld; meantime, I can lay down for mankind a rule, in short compass, for our duties in human relationships: