Sublime

the offences which are committed through desire are more blameable than those which are committed through anger.

direct your thoughts, your cares, your wishes, to this alone: contentment with yourself and with the goods that come from yourself. What prosperity could be nearer at hand? Trim yourself back to that small fortune that chance cannot take away.

The only really admirable character amid the madness and blood lust and confusion is Cato, the Stoic defender of the old Republican values, who alone sticks to principle and a life in accordance with nature, even when everyone else has descended to chaos.

Nature has given you certain gifts, and if you do not abandon them, you will mount up equal to a god.

The fortunes of those you despise may come upon you at any time.

On the Happy Life. 31 This is a philosophical essay addressed to Seneca’s older brother, Novatus, which provides an important window into Seneca’s response to the critics who accused him of hypocrisy as well as excessive and unphilosophical profiteering. The value of worldly goods is addressed directly. Seneca approaches the issue by first discussi