This quote by Seneca the Younger suggests that if someone offers uncertain protection or safety to those in distress, they are essentially denying them any safety at all. The idea is that in times of trouble, what people need most is certainty and reliability. If you offer them something that is doubtful or unreliable, it is as if you are refusing to help them altogether because your ‘help’ may fail them when they need it the most.

Applying this concept to today’s world, it can be seen in various fields such as politics, business, or personal relationships. For instance, a politician who promises reform but has a track record of inconsistency is offering doubtful safety. A business that offers a product or service but does not have a strong reputation for quality or reliability is doing the same. In personal relationships, someone who is inconsistent and unreliable is offering doubtful safety to those who depend on them.

In terms of personal development, this quote can serve as a reminder of the importance of being reliable and consistent. When we make commitments to ourselves or others, we must ensure that we can follow through on them. Otherwise, we are offering doubtful safety. This could apply to things like personal health and fitness goals, career goals, or commitments we make to friends and family. The goal is to be a source of certainty in an uncertain world, both for ourselves and for others who may depend on us.