Seneca · c. 4 BCE – 65 CE
On Benefits 7.24 — Seneca
Translation by Aubrey Stewart (1887)
Seneca, On Benefits 7.24
Socrates once said in the hearing of his friends: “I would have bought a cloak, if I had had the money for it.” He asked no one for money, but he reminded them all to give it. There was a rivalry between them, as to who should give it; and how should there not be? Was it not a small thing which Socrates received? Yes, but it was a great thing to be the man from whom Socrates received it. Could he blame them more gently? “I would,” said he, “have bought a cloak if I had had the money for it.” After this, however eager anyone was to give, he gave too late; for he had already been wanting in his duty to Socrates. Because some men harshly demand repayment of debts, we forbid it, not in order that it may never be done, but that it may be done sparingly.
Cite this passage
Seneca, On Benefits 7.24, tr. Aubrey Stewart (1887)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/on-benefits/7.24
Seneca, Dialogues, tr. Aubrey Stewart (1887–1889). Text: Standard Ebooks (CC0). Sources and licences
In plain English
AI-written notesSocrates dropped a gentle hint about needing a cloak by remarking that he would have bought one had he had the money, and his friends competed to supply it. A light reminder lets people do the right thing willingly, and harsh demands for repayment are the thing to avoid, not asking itself.
Themes and situations
- Speech and silence
- Friendship
- Gratitude
- Kindness and forgiveness
- Trouble with a friend
Quote cards
The opening line of this passage as an image, with its citation — for sharing or keeping.