Sun and moon

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Often appears with: the nature and attributes of God · self-interest versus intention · nature as benefactor · fate, destiny, and necessity · cosmic order

Usually: argument (1) · detachment (1) · wonder (1)

L. Annaeus Seneca on Benefits primary

Lucius Annaeus Seneca · c. 59-65 CE (approx.)
BOOK I. The prevalence of ingratitude--How a benefit ought to be bestowed--The three Graces--Benefits are the chief bond of human society--What we owe in return for a benefit received--A benefit consists not of a thing but of the wish to do good--Socrates and > BOOK VI. (14/28)

He argues that even the sun and moon ‘benefit’ because their motions preserve the universe for our sake as part of it, contrasting self-interested use of humans with cosmic governance.

own sakes, still cannot do good to us in order that by our means they may do good to themselves, for what is there which we can bestow upon them? XXI. "I should be sure," replies he, "that the sun and the moon wished to do us good, if they were able to refuse to do so; but they cannot help moving as they do. In short, let them stop and discontinue their work." See now, in how many ways this argument may be refuted.…