Anger, if not restrained, is frequently more hurtful to us than the injury that provokes it.
Seneca The YoungerRead
It is easy enough to arouse in a listener a desire for what is honorable; for in every one of us nature has laid the foundations or sown the seeds of the virtues. We are born to them all, all of us, and when a person comes along with the necessary stimulus, then those qualities of the personality are awakened, so to speak, from their slumber.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes that everyone has inherent virtues that can be awakened by the right influence.
Seneca the Younger's quote suggests that within each individual lies the potential for virtuous qualities, which are part of human nature. When someone or something provides the right stimulus, these dormant traits can be activated, allowing individuals to strive for honorable deeds and moral excellence.
In practice
During a motivational speech at a community event, one could use this quote to inspire individuals to recognize their latent potential for good.
Anger, if not restrained, is frequently more hurtful to us than the injury that provokes it.
No tree becomes rooted and sturdy unless many a wind assails it. For by its very tossing it tightens its grip and plants its roots more securely; the fragile trees are those that have grown in a sunny valley.
Slavery takes hold of few, but many take hold of slavery.
To be able to endure odium is the first art to be learned by those who aspire to power.
Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for a kindness.
Loyalty is the holiest good in the human heart.
All that one gains by falsehood is, not to be believed when he speaks the truth.
The important thing is not whatever nonsense the voices are saying, but what the voices are feeling.
To paraphrase several sages: Nobody can think and hit someone at the same time.
Why did I rob banks? Because I enjoyed it. I loved it. I was more alive when I was inside a bank, robbing it, than at any other time in my life. I enjoyed everything about it so much that one or two weeks later I'd be out looking for the next job. But to me the money was the chips, that's all.
When the pain overtakes you, reach inside. Gather the broken pieces, and hand them to God. Ask Him to remake your heart. Different, this time. Stronger. More beautiful. This is how we are made, and remade by the Maker.
You can't change the past, but you can ruin the present by worrying about the future.
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