# Chapter XXXIII: On the Pretense of Forgiveness and the Burden of Power explained — Dialogues

> Chapter companion for Dialogues by Seneca.

## What happens

Seneca argues that revenge is often less useful than feigning ignorance of an injury, especially when dealing with the powerful. He illustrates this with the story of Pastor, a Roman knight whose son was executed by Gaius Caesar, yet who was forced to dine with the emperor and conceal his grief to protect his remaining son.

## Themes in this chapter

### Anger and Self-Control

Seneca emphasizes the importance of controlling anger and not seeking revenge when it is dangerous or futile, as demonstrated by Pastor's restraint.

### Clemency and Justice

The chapter contrasts the tyrant's lack of clemency with the subject's need to endure injustice for the sake of survival.

## Character check-ins

### Gaius Caesar

Offended by the appearance of Pastor's son, he orders the son's execution and then forces the father to dine with him, testing his composure.

### Seneca

Author and narrator, presenting the argument that it is often better to bear wrongs than to avenge them, using historical examples.

### Priam

Mentioned as a parallel example of a father who concealed his wrath and supped with his son's killer, Achilles.

## Key lines

> The wrongs of the powerful must not only be borne, but borne with a cheerful countenance: they will repeat the wrong if they think they have inflicted it.

Injuries from those in power must be endured with a smile, because if they realize they have hurt you, they will do it again.

_Seneca advises dissimulation as a survival strategy under tyranny._

> By receiving wrongs and returning thanks for them.

The secret to surviving at court is to accept insults and express gratitude for them.

_A courtier's maxim quoted by Seneca to illustrate the expediency of feigned gratitude._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dialogues_2_se/chapters/xxxiii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dialogues_2_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/dialogues_2_se/chapters