Single Idea 13312

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / C. Virtue Theory / 3. Virtues / b. Temperance]

Full Idea

To want to know more than is sufficient is a form of intemperance.

Gist of Idea

Excessive curiosity is a form of intemperance

Source

Seneca the Younger (Letters from a Stoic [c.60], 088)

Book Reference

Seneca: 'Letters from a Stoic (Selections)', ed/tr. Campbell,Robin [Penguin 1969], p.159


A Reaction

This comes as a bit of a surprise, given the high value that philosophers place on knowledge. I'm reminded of Auberon Waugh's criticism of the Scots as a 'wildly over-educated people'. I think the problem is what you could have been doing instead.