On Peace of Mind, Section 10 — In Plain English

Seneca — The Senator

Don't envy people in high positions. The heights that look impressive to us are actually steep and dangerous. Those whom cruel fate has placed in powerful positions will be safer if they show less pride in their status. They should try to bring their fortunes down to the same level as ordinary people. Many must cling to their high positions because they can't step down without falling hard. Yet they tell us their greatest burden is having to be a burden to others. They say they are nailed to their high post rather than lifted up to it. If this is true, then let them prepare for their eventual fall. They should dispense justice, mercy, and kindness with a generous hand. This will provide them with help when they need it. Looking forward to this support will help them hold their position with more hope.

Seneca — The Senator Original

Neither let us envy those who are in high places: the heights which look lofty to us are steep and rugged. Again, those whom unkind fate has placed in critical situations will be safer if they show as little pride in their proud position as may be, and do all they are able to bring down their fortunes to the level of other men's. There are many who must needs cling to their high pinnacle of power, because they cannot descend from it save by falling headlong: yet they assure us that their greatest burden is being obliged to be burdensome to others, and that they are nailed to their lofty post rather than raised to it: let them then, by dispensing justice, clemency, and kindness with an open and liberal hand, provide themselves with assistance to break their fall, and looking forward to this maintain their position more hopefully.