’Some people have the skill of reclaiming the fiercest of beasts…’
“Human happiness is founded upon Wisdom and Virtue: and first, of Wisdom.
There is no condition of life that excludes a wise man from discharging his duty. If his fortune be good, he tempers it; if bad, he masters it; if he has an estate, he will exercise his virtue in plenty; if none, in poverty: if he cannot do it in his country, he will do it in banishment; if he has no command, he will do the office of a common soldier.
Some people have the skill of reclaiming the fiercest of beasts; they will make a lion embrace his keeper, a tiger kiss him, and an elephant kneel to him.
This is the case of a wise man in the extremest difficulties; let them be never so terrible in themselves, when they come to him once, they are perfectly tame.”
~ Seneca
The Death of Seneca, standing at center with his feet in a basin of water, supported by a disciple at left while another takes down his last words at right. Artist: Alexander Voet II (Flemish, Antwerp ca. 1635–after 1695 Ghent)
Artist: After Peter Paul Rubens (Flemish, Siegen 1577–1640 Antwerp). 1655-78. The MET.
Personal development was much more instructive in the Ancient World!