Seneca · c. 4 BCE – 65 CE
On Clemency 1.24 — Seneca
Translation by Aubrey Stewart (1889)
Seneca, On Clemency 1.24
A proposal was once made in the Senate to distinguish slaves from free men by their dress: it was then discovered how dangerous it would be for our slaves to be able to count our numbers. Be assured that the same thing would be the case if no one’s offence is pardoned: it will quickly be discovered how far the number of bad men exceeds that of the good. Many executions are as disgraceful to a sovereign as many funerals are to a physician: one who governs less strictly is better obeyed. The human mind is naturally self-willed, kicks against the goad, and sets its face against authority; it will follow more readily than it can be led. As well-bred and high-spirited horses are best managed with a loose rein, so mercy gives men’s minds a spontaneous bias towards innocence, and the public think that it is worth observing. Mercy, therefore, does more good than severity.
Cite this passage
Seneca, On Clemency 1.24, tr. Aubrey Stewart (1889)
https://whatwouldstoicsdo.com/passage/on-clemency/1.24
Seneca, Dialogues, tr. Aubrey Stewart (1887–1889). Text: Standard Ebooks (CC0). Sources and licences
In plain English
AI-written notesThose who govern more gently are obeyed better, because people resist force but follow willingly, like a spirited horse guided with a loose rein. Many executions disgrace a ruler as many funerals disgrace a doctor, so mercy achieves more than severity.
Older wording
- “goad”
- — a pointed stick used to drive cattle
Themes and situations
- Leadership and power
- Kindness and forgiveness
- Justice and fairness
- Leading others
- Parenting
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