Seneca Moral essays
Seneca: Let us look back upon our own youth, and think…
Let us look back upon our own youth, and think how often we then were too slothful in our duty, too impudent in our speech, too intemperate in our cups. Is anyone angry? then let us give him enough time to reflect upon what he has done, and he will correct his own self.
The passage follows a public-domain translation of Seneca’s moral essays. The reading beside it is ours.
It is easier to judge another person's foolish moment when we have forgotten our own. Remember the careless thing you said at twenty, the mistake you made after too much to drink, the deadline you missed, the apology you needed. This memory does not excuse repeated harm, but it makes room for proportion. Many people are embarrassed by their behavior once the heat of the moment passes. Give them enough time and space to see it. Immediately cornering, shaming, or punishing them may only make them defensive. In your next conflict, ask whether the person needs a consequence, a clear boundary, or simply a chance to recover their better judgment. We all benefit from being more than our worst five minutes. Extend that possibility to others when you can, especially because you have needed it yourself.
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