Plain
Seneca — The Senator

A boy who grew up in Plato's house once went home to visit his parents. When he saw his father yelling in anger, he said, "I never saw anyone act like that at Plato's house." I'm sure he learned to copy his father much faster than he learned to copy Plato. Most importantly, give your child simple food and plain clothes that match what his friends wear. If you start by treating him the same as other children, he won't get angry later when someone compares him to others.

On Anger, Book 2, Section 21 Book 2 · 53 of 103
Human Nature Knowing Yourself
Seneca — The Senator Original

Once, a boy who was brought up in Plato's house went home to his parents, and, on seeing his father shouting with passion, said, "I never saw any one at Plato's house act like that." I doubt not that he learned to imitate his father sooner than he learned to imitate Plato. Above all, let his food be scanty, his dress not costly, and of the same fashion as that of his comrades: if you begin by putting him on a level with many others, he will not be angry when some one is compared with him.

On Anger, Book 2, Section 21 Book 2 · 53 of 103
Seneca — The Senator

Let a child hear the truth, and sometimes fear it. But let him always respect it. Let him stand up when adults enter the room. Let him get nothing by throwing tantrums. Give him things when he's calm that you refused when he was screaming. Let him see his father's wealth but not use it. Correct him when he does wrong. It helps to give boys teachers and tutors who stay calm. Whatever is soft and unformed sticks to what's nearby and takes its shape. Young men copy the habits of their nurses and tutors.

On Anger, Book 2, Section 21 Book 2 · 52 of 103
Knowing Yourself Human Nature
Seneca — The Senator Original

Let a child hear the truth, and sometimes fear it: let him always reverence it. Let him rise in the presence of his elders. Let him obtain nothing by flying into a passion: let him be given when he is quiet what was refused him when he cried for it: let him behold, but not make use of his father's wealth: let him be reproved for what he does wrong. It will be advantageous to furnish boys with even-tempered teachers and _paedagogi_: what is soft and unformed clings to what is near, and takes its shape: the habits of young men reproduce those of their nurses and _paedagogi_.

On Anger, Book 2, Section 21 Book 2 · 52 of 103
‹ Previous Next ›

Ancient philosophy, in plain English.

About · Support