Roman Stoic advises Wall Street

The American Psychological Association understands the

    the plight of the rookie stock broker in this amazing Time

    of Affluence which can only be compared to  1st Century

    AD , the time of the Pax Romana  (  the happiest time in

    human history, according to some historians. Yes, HAPPY

    for the drudges and slaves too. HAPPY for persecuted

    Christians.  VERY HAPPY in that town  by the volcano ! )

           But back to our mental wreck of a stock broker:

        He is paying for financial success with his mental

    health ..." lack of sleep , emotional exhaustion and

    depression ". ( Providence Journal, Aug. 17 , Lifebeat )

           If only he would pay attention to the wisdom of

    old Seneca, the Roman Stoic philosopher, who observed

    the mad pursuit of riches in the Happy Time .

          Asks Seneca : What is the proper limit to

    wealth ? Answer : " It is first to have what is

    necessary ,and , second , to have what is enough. "

          For Wall Street brokers there is just no such

    thing as ENOUGH .

          And they too - along with Nero - would have suggested

    that the wise Seneca silence himself forever.

         " Contented poverty is an honorable estate ".

       Hmm ! The madness of the man !