Who – only let him be a man and intent upon honor – is not eager for the honorable ordeal and prompt to assume perilous duties? To what energetic man is not idleness a punishment?
~ Seneca
slip:4a126.
Who is not eager? →
Virtus →
Without an adversary, virtus shrivels. We see how great and how viable virtus is when, by endurance, it shows what it is capable of.
~ Seneca
slip:4a13.
Prove yourself →
No man is more unhappy than he who never faces adversity. For he is not permitted to prove himself.
~ Seneca
slip:4a97.
Compassion →
All cruelty springs from weakness.
~ Seneca
slip:4a118.