Seneca Moral essays
Seneca: You accustom yourself to them and cling to them…
You accustom yourself to them and cling to them as if somebody had promised that they should be yours for ever, but a wise man never thinks so much about poverty as when he is surrounded by riches.
The passage follows a public-domain translation of Seneca’s moral essays. The reading beside it is ours.
Abundance is precisely when we should practice remembering that things can change. When the paycheck is reliable, the body feels strong, and the house is full, it is tempting to assume that this arrangement is permanent. That assumption makes us careless and terrified at the same time. The wise person enjoys good fortune while keeping their grip light. They save rather than spend every increase. They maintain friendships before a crisis. They remember how to cook a simple meal, take public transit, and live without constant upgrades. This is not pessimism. It is preparedness, and it makes gratitude more honest. You do not appreciate a season less because it will end; you appreciate it more. Today, take one small step to remain capable without a comfort you currently take for granted.
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