Between Heathenism and Christianity - College of Stoic Philosophers
Between Heathenism and Christianity - College of Stoic Philosophers
Between Heathenism and Christianity - College of Stoic Philosophers
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Selections from the Writings <strong>of</strong> Seneca<br />
is baser to write one thing nnd mean another.<br />
A wise man will pardon an injury, though<br />
it be<br />
great, <strong>and</strong> if he can do it without breach <strong>of</strong> piety <strong>and</strong><br />
fidelity, that is, if the whole injury pertains to him<br />
self.<br />
As far as thou canst, accuse thyself, try thyself, dis<br />
charge the <strong>of</strong>fice, first <strong>of</strong> a prosecutor, then <strong>of</strong> a judge,<br />
lastly <strong>of</strong> an intercessor.<br />
We can never quarrel enough with our vices, which,<br />
I beseech thee, persecute perpetually. Cast from<br />
thee everything that corrupts the heart; <strong>and</strong> if thou<br />
canst not otherwise get rid <strong>of</strong> it, spare<br />
itself.<br />
FROM DE BENEFICIIS.<br />
not the heart<br />
Nature is not without God nor is God without na<br />
ture. Both are the same <strong>and</strong> their functions are the<br />
same. Bo, too, nature, destiny, fortune, are all the<br />
names <strong>of</strong> the same God.<br />
It is the mark <strong>of</strong> a noble <strong>and</strong> generous soul to be<br />
helpful, to do good; he who confers favors, imitates<br />
the gods.<br />
Beneficence always makes haste; what one does<br />
willingly one does quickly.<br />
We owe no thanks for a favor that has for a long<br />
time adhered to the h<strong>and</strong>s <strong>of</strong> the giver, as it were;<br />
which he seems to have let go with reluctance <strong>and</strong><br />
which one might almost say had been wrested from<br />
him.<br />
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