Seneca · c. 4 BCE – 65 CE
On Benefits 3.18 ¶1 — Seneca
Translation by Aubrey Stewart (1887)
Seneca, On Benefits 3.18 ¶1
It has, however, been doubted by Hecaton and some other writers, whether a slave can bestow a benefit upon his master. Some distinguish between benefits, duties, and services, calling those things benefits which are bestowed by a stranger—that is, by one who could discontinue them without blame—while duties are performed by our children, our wives, and those whom relationship prompts and orders to afford us help; and, thirdly, services are performed by slaves, whose position is such that nothing which they do for their master can give them any claim upon him.…
Cite this passage
Seneca, On Benefits 3.18 ¶1, tr. Aubrey Stewart (1887)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/on-benefits/3.18.1
Seneca, Dialogues, tr. Aubrey Stewart (1887–1889). Text: Standard Ebooks (CC0). Sources and licences
In plain English
AI-written notesOpens a debate over whether someone who cannot refuse an order, such as a slave, can truly give a favour to the person who commands them. Some thinkers sort acts into kindnesses from strangers, duties owed by family, and mere services from slaves, which they say earn no claim on the master.
Older wording
- “benefits”
- — favours or kindnesses freely given, not obligations
Themes and situations
- Kindness and forgiveness
- Gratitude
- Duty and roles
- Freedom
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