Ponder for a long time whether you shall admit a given person to your…

Ponder for a long time whether you shall admit a given person to your friendship; but when you have decided to admit him, welcome him with all your heart and soul.

Seneca4–65 BC · philosopher · Ancient RomeSeneca was a Roman philosopher, playwright, and statesman who served as tutor and later chief advisor to the young Emperor Nero, guiding Roman policy for years.424 quotes

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How sure this is: 95% sureThese words were traced back to where they first appeared. That source is listed below.
What turned up: Moral Letters to Lucilius, letter III.2 — translated by Richard M. Gummere; Complete sentence from his advice to Lucilius about choosing and trusting friends. Entire letter read to separate Seneca’s own prose from his quotation of Pomponius later in the letter. Public-domain translation.
Work: Moral Letters to Lucilius, letter III.2 — translated by Richard M. Gummere
Sources checked: en.wikisource.orgChecked using manual, 20 October 2026Moral Letters to Lucilius, letter III.2 — translated by Richard M. Gummere; Complete sentence from his advice to Lucilius about choosing and trusting friends. Entire letter read to separate Seneca’s own prose from his quotation of Pomponius later in the letter. Public-domain translation.