Anger, if not restrained, is frequently more hurtful to us than the injury that provokes it.
Seneca The YoungerRead
It is easy enough to arouse in a listener a desire for what is honorable; for in every one of us nature has laid the foundations or sown the seeds of the virtues. We are born to them all, all of us, and when a person comes along with the necessary stimulus, then those qualities of the personality are awakened, so to speak, from their slumber.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes that everyone has inherent virtues that can be awakened by the right influence.
Seneca the Younger's quote suggests that within each individual lies the potential for virtuous qualities, which are part of human nature. When someone or something provides the right stimulus, these dormant traits can be activated, allowing individuals to strive for honorable deeds and moral excellence.
Themes
VirtuesPotentialAwakeningInfluenceHonor
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational speech at a community event, one could use this quote to inspire individuals to recognize their latent potential for good.
More from Seneca The Younger
All quotes →No tree becomes rooted and sturdy unless many a wind assails it. For by its very tossing it tightens its grip and plants its roots more securely; the fragile trees are those that have grown in a sunny valley.
Seneca The YoungerRead
Slavery takes hold of few, but many take hold of slavery.
Seneca The YoungerRead
To be able to endure odium is the first art to be learned by those who aspire to power.
Seneca The YoungerRead
Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for a kindness.
Seneca The YoungerRead
Loyalty is the holiest good in the human heart.
Seneca The YoungerRead
Similar quotes
"Genius is divine perseverance." Divine patience I believe he originally used, perseverance is better in my opinion. Genius I cannot claim nor even extra brightness but perseverance all can have.
Woodrow WilsonRead
If you are equally good at explaining any outcome, you have zero knowledge.
Eliezer YudkowskyRead
When I get an idea I start at once building it up in my imagination. I change the construction, make improvements and operate the device in my mind. It is absolutely immaterial to me whether I run my turbine in my thought or test it in my shop. I even note if it is out of balance.
Nikola TeslaRead
A boy told me if he roller-skated fast enough his loneliness couldn't catch up to him, the best reason I ever heard for trying to be a champion. What I wonder tonight pedaling hard down King William Street is if it translates to bicycles. A victory! To leave your loneliness panting behind you on some street corner while you float free into a cloud of sudden azaleas, pink petals that have never felt loneliness, no matter how slowly they fell.
Naomi Shihab NyeRead
Temptations which accompany the working day will be conquered on the basis of the morning breakthrough to God. Decisions, demanded by work, become easier and simpler where they are made not in the fear of men, but only in the sight of God. He wants to give us today the power which we need for our work.
Dietrich BonhoefferRead
The keys to the life of the heart lie in reflecting upon the Quran, being humble before Allah in secret, and leaving sins.
Ibn Qayyim Al-JawziyyaRead