On consolation to the bereaved
99:22
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.
22. “Accept in an unruffled spirit that which is inevitable.
What can happen that is beyond belief?
Or what that is new?
How many men at this very moment are making arrangements for funerals!
How many are purchasing grave-clothes!
How many are mourning, when you yourself have finished mourning!
As often as you reflect that your boy has ceased to be, reflect also upon man, who has no sure promise of anything, whom Fortune does not inevitably escort to the confines of old age, but lets him go at whatever point she sees fit.
Book: Moral Letters Vol III
Subtitle: Seneca's timeless letters of advice and wisdom.
Author: Seneca
Chapter: On consolation to the bereaved
Location: Chapter 99, Section 22
Content:
22. “Accept in an unruffled spirit that which is inevitable.
What can happen that is beyond belief?
Or what that is new?
How many men at this very moment are making arrangements for funerals!
How many are purchasing grave-clothes!
How many are mourning, when you yourself have finished mourning!
As often as you reflect that your boy has ceased to be, reflect also upon man, who has no sure promise of anything, whom Fortune does not inevitably escort to the confines of old age, but lets him go at whatever point she sees fit.