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Moral Letters Vol III

Seneca

§ Section 28

On consolation to the bereaved

99:28

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.

28.

Metrodorus says: ‘There is a certain pleasure which is related to sadness.’ We Stoics may say that, but you may not.

The only Good which you recognize, is pleasure, and the only Evil, pain; and what relationship can there be between a Good and an Evil?

But suppose that such a relationship does exist; now, of all times, is it to be rooted out?

Shall we examine grief also, and see with what elements of delight and pleasure it is surrounded?