Hardship and Happiness (Ad Marciam De consolatione, Ad Helviam matrem De consolatione, De Consolatione ad Polybium, De Brevitate Vitæ, De Constantia Sapientis, De Tranquillitate Animi, De Otio, De Vita Beata, De Providentia)

by Seneca

And we should not keep our mind always straining at the same level, but call it away to jesting: Socrates did not blush to play with young boys; Cato56 eased his mind with wine when it was exhausted by public concerns; and Scipio bestirred that body of a triumphant general and soldier in the dance, not weakening it in soft motions as is the custom now for men mincing beyond womanly affectation even in their manner of walking, but as those men of old used to step out in manly fashion during play and public holidays, risking no loss, even if they were observed by their enemies. (5) We must give our minds relaxation: they will arise from rest better and more vigorous. Just as we should not impose commands on fertile lands—for uninterrupted fertility will quickly drain them—so constant toil will break down the impulses of our minds, which will recover strength after being released and relaxed for a short while: constant laboring leads to blunted and languid minds. (6) Our desire for this would not be so great if sport and

Wel said