Seneca · c. 4 BCE – 65 CE
On Benefits 4.31 ¶1 — Seneca
Translation by Aubrey Stewart (1887)
Seneca, On Benefits 4.31 ¶1
In this place, my Liberalis, I wish to speak in defence of the gods. We sometimes say, “What could Providence mean by placing an Arrhidaeus upon the throne?” Do you suppose that the crown was given to Arrhidaeus? nay, it was given to his father and his brother. Why did Heaven bestow the empire of the world upon Caius Caesar, the most bloodthirsty of mankind, who was wont to order blood to be shed in his presence as freely as if he wished to drink of it? Why do you suppose that it was given to him? It was given to his father, Germanicus, to his grandfather, his great grandfather, and to others before them, no less illustrious men, though they lived as private citizens on a footing of equality with others. Why, when you yourself were making Mamercus Scaurus consul, were you ignorant of his vices? did he himself conceal them? did he wish to appear decent?
Cite this passage
Seneca, On Benefits 4.31 ¶1, tr. Aubrey Stewart (1887)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/on-benefits/4.31.1
Seneca, Dialogues, tr. Aubrey Stewart (1887–1889). Text: Standard Ebooks (CC0). Sources and licences
In plain English
AI-written notesWhen unworthy people hold great power, it may be a reward to their good ancestors rather than to them, so we should not hastily accuse Providence of blindness. We ourselves favour descendants of great people, as when promoting a vicious man because of his illustrious forebear.
Older wording
- “Providence”
- — the divine foresight governing the world
- “consul”
- — one of Rome's two chief magistrates, elected yearly
Themes and situations
- Acceptance and fate
- Nature and the cosmos
- Justice and fairness
- Leadership and power
- Being treated unfairly
- Envy and comparison
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