We should every night call ourselves to an account: What infirmity have I mastered today? What passions opposed! What temptation resisted? What virtue acquired?
Seneca The ElderRead
It is the sign of a great mind to dislike greatness, and prefer things in measure to things in excess.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Valuing moderation over excess reflects true wisdom.
This quote implies that a wise person recognizes the importance of balance and moderation, understanding that greatness is not always synonymous with value. Instead of seeking extravagant or excessive achievements, they appreciate the beauty and significance found in simplicity and moderation.
Themes
ModerationGreatnessWisdomBalanceSimplicity
In practice
Example use cases
During a seminar on personal development, you might quote this to emphasize the importance of realistic goals.
More from Seneca The Elder
All quotes βWe can be thankful to a friend for a few acres or a little money; and yet for the freedom and command of the whole earth, and for the great benefits of our being, our life, health, and reason, we look upon ourselves as under no obligation.
Seneca The ElderRead
True happiness is to enjoy the present, without anxious dependence upon the future, not to amuse ourselves with either hopes or fears but to rest satisfied with what we have, which is sufficient, for he that is so wants nothing.
Seneca The ElderRead
The sun also shines on the wicked.
Seneca The ElderRead
Let us be brave in the face of adversity.
Seneca The ElderRead
The courts of kings are full of people, but empty of friends.
Seneca The ElderRead
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