Seneca · c. 4 BCE – 65 CE
On Benefits 7.14 ¶5–6 — Seneca
Translation by Aubrey Stewart (1887)
Seneca, On Benefits 7.14 ¶5–6
“Tell me,” says our adversary, “if he had repaid the benefit you would say that he had returned your kindness: is, then, he who repays it in the same position as he who does not repay it?” On the other hand, consider this: if he had forgotten the benefit which he had received, if he had not even attempted to be grateful, you would say that he had not returned the kindness; but this man has laboured day and night to the neglect of all his other duties in his devoted care to let no opportunity of proving his gratitude escape him; is then he who took no pains to return a kindness to be classed with this man who never ceased to take pains? you are unjust, if you require a material payment from me when you see that I am not wanting in intention.
Cite this passage
Seneca, On Benefits 7.14 ¶5–6, tr. Aubrey Stewart (1887)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/on-benefits/7.14.5
Seneca, Dialogues, tr. Aubrey Stewart (1887–1889). Text: Standard Ebooks (CC0). Sources and licences
In plain English
AI-written notesSomeone who has worked day and night to show his gratitude should not be put on a par with someone who made no effort at all. It is unfair to insist on a material payment from a person whose intention to repay is obvious.
Themes and situations
- Gratitude
- Justice and fairness
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