more from Seneca the Younger

Single Idea 13559

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 2. Elements of Virtue Theory / c. Motivation for virtue]

Full Idea

You ask what I seek from virtue? Virtue herself. For she has nothing better, she is herself her own reward.

Gist of Idea

I seek virtue, because it is its own reward

Source

Seneca the Younger (On the Happy Life [c.60], §09)

Book Reference

Seneca: 'Dialogues and Essays', ed/tr. Davie,John [Penguin 2007], p.93


A Reaction

Presumably this is the source of the popular saying that 'virtue is its own reward'. The trouble is that this doesn't seem a very persuasive thing to say to a sceptic who doubts whether being virtuous is worth the trouble.