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All cruelty springs from weakness. - Seneca

"All cruelty springs from weakness" is a profound and often counter-intuitive assertion by Seneca, a Roman Stoic philosopher. It challenges the common perception which acts of cruelty are manifestations of strength, power, or dominance, arguing instead they are rooted in a fundamental lack of inner fortitude, self-control, and security.

The Stoic Perspective:

From a Stoic viewpoint, true strength is found in virtue, self-control, reason, and an unshakeable inner tranquility (ataraxia). A wise and virtuous person, being content and secure within themselves, has no need to inflict suffering on others. Cruelty is seen as an irrational passion, a disturbance of the soul, and therefore a sign of weakness in character.

In essence, Seneca's quote, "All cruelty springs from weakness," asserts acts of cruelty are not born from genuine power or dominance, but rather from deep-seated insecurity, fear, lack of self-control, or an inability to cope with one's own internal vulnerabilities. It's a psychological insight that flips common perceptions, suggesting those who inflict pain are often the ones most inwardly fragile.

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