"And do you know why we have not the power to attain this Stoic ideal? It is because we refuse to believe in our power. Nay, of a surety, there is something else which plays a part: it is because we are in love with our vices; we uphold them and prefer to make excuses for them rather than shake them off. We mortals have been endowed with sufficient strength by nature, if only we use this strength, if only we concentrate our powers and rouse them all to help us or at least not to hinder us. The reason is unwillingness, the excuse, inability."

Self, Strength, Power, Humanity

7

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"And do you know why we have not the power to attain this Stoic ideal? It is because we refuse to believe in our power. Nay, of a surety, there is something else which plays a part: it is because we are in love with our vices; we uphold them and prefer to make excuses for them rather than shake them off. We mortals have been endowed with sufficient strength by nature, if only we use this strength, if only we concentrate our powers and rouse them all to help us or at least not to hinder us. The reason is unwillingness, the excuse, inability."

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Explore more quotes by Seneca

"If you would wish another to keep your secret first keep it yourself."

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"What nature requires is obtainable, and within easy reach. It is for the superfluous we sweat."

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"For many men, the acquisition of wealth does not end their troubles, it only changes them."

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"It is not that we have so little time but that we lose so much. ... The life we receive is not short but we make it so, we are not ill provided but use what we have wastefully."

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