On consolation to the bereaved
99:29
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.
29.
Certain remedies, which are beneficial for some parts of the body, cannot be applied to other parts because these are, in a way, revolting and unfit; and that which in certain cases would work to a good purpose without any loss to one’s self-respect, may become unseemly because of the situation of the wound.
Are you not, similarly, ashamed to cure sorrow by pleasure?
No, this sore spot must be treated in a more drastic way.
This is what you should preferably advise: that no sensation of evil can reach one who is dead; for if it can reach him, he is not dead.
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 29
Content:
29.
Certain remedies, which are beneficial for some parts of the body, cannot be applied to other parts because these are, in a way, revolting and unfit; and that which in certain cases would work to a good purpose without any loss to one’s self-respect, may become unseemly because of the situation of the wound.
Are you not, similarly, ashamed to cure sorrow by pleasure?
No, this sore spot must be treated in a more drastic way.
This is what you should preferably advise: that no sensation of evil can reach one who is dead; for if it can reach him, he is not dead.