Seneca · c. 4 BCE – 65 CE
On Benefits 7.13 — Seneca
Translation by Aubrey Stewart (1887)
Seneca, On Benefits 7.13
I have received, but certainly not less. Not to detain you longer than is necessary, a benefit can be no more than a benefit; but the means employed to convey benefits may be both greater and more numerous. I mean those things by which kindness expresses and gives vent to itself, like lovers, whose many kisses and close embraces do not increase their love but give it play.
Cite this passage
Seneca, On Benefits 7.13, tr. Aubrey Stewart (1887)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/on-benefits/7.13
Seneca, Dialogues, tr. Aubrey Stewart (1887–1889). Text: Standard Ebooks (CC0). Sources and licences
In plain English
AI-written notesA favour itself cannot be made bigger, but the ways of showing kindness can be many, just as lovers' kisses and embraces do not add to their love but give it room to show itself.
Older wording
- “gives vent to itself”
- — finds an outlet or expression
Themes and situations
- Kindness and forgiveness
- Gratitude
- Family and love
Quote cards
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