Who said "Those before us are guides, not masters."?

Seneca (c. 4 BC–65 AD). Source: Letters to Lucilius 33.11.

What is the original Latin?

Qui ante nos ista moverunt non domini nostri sed duces sunt. Translated from the original Latin by Spartan Surfers.

Is "Those before us are guides, not masters." on a shirt?

Yes. We print it to order on our tees in 7 illustrated looks, from $44, with free US shipping.

Qui ante nos ista moverunt non domini nostri sed duces sunt.

Those before us are guides, not masters.

Seneca, Letters to Lucilius 33.11

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What it means

Seneca honors the old thinkers but refuses to just repeat them. Truth is open to everyone and much of it is still undiscovered. Learn from the greats, then think for yourself.

The source

"Those before us are guides, not masters." Seneca said it in Letters to Lucilius 33.11. Translated from the original Latin by Spartan Surfers.

"Qui ante nos ista moverunt non domini nostri sed duces sunt."

Original Latin, Letters to Lucilius 33.11. Text read at thelatinlibrary.com.

Who said it

Seneca (c. 4 BC–65 AD). Stoic philosopher, playwright and adviser to the emperor Nero. His letters to his friend Lucilius are the most readable handbook of Stoicism ever written.

Questions

What does "Those before us are guides, not masters." mean?: Seneca honors the old thinkers but refuses to just repeat them. Truth is open to everyone and much of it is still undiscovered. Learn from the greats, then think for yourself.
Who said "Those before us are guides, not masters."?: Seneca (c. 4 BC–65 AD). Source: Letters to Lucilius 33.11.
What is the original Latin?: Qui ante nos ista moverunt non domini nostri sed duces sunt. Translated from the original Latin by Spartan Surfers.
Is "Those before us are guides, not masters." on a shirt?: Yes. We print it to order on our tees in 7 illustrated looks, from $44, with free US shipping.

Cite this line

"Those before us are guides, not masters." (Seneca, Letters to Lucilius 33.11, translated by Spartan Surfers). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/those-before-us-are-guides-not-masters