FLASH NEWS
Who is Seneca? Inside the mind of the world's most interesting Stoic philosopher
2024-11-19 21:40:05 / MISTERE&KURIOZITETE
He was born in southern Spain over 2000 years ago and educated in Rome. He was the son of Seneca the Elder, a famous Roman writer and the uncle of the poet Lucan. Seneca had a career in politics and became a high-ranking financial official. During that period he also wrote tragedies such as "Consolation on the Martian".
His life took a sharp turn in AD 41 when the new emperor Claudius exiled Seneca to the island of Corsica accusing him of adultery with Julia Livilan, the emperor's niece and Caligula's sister. In exile, he wrote a letter to his mother consoling her.
Eight years later, Agrippina, mother of the future emperor Nero and wife of Claudius, secured permission for Seneca's return to Rome. He became her son's tutor and then counselor. Nero later became one of the most infamous emperors and tyrants in the history of the Roman Empire, raising even more questions about Seneca's character.
Not surprisingly, Seneca amassed his wealth while serving Nero. His death in AD 65 came at the behest of Nero himself (who thought Seneca was part of a conspiracy against him).
Throughout those troubled times, stoicism remained a constant in his life. He was introduced to this current by Attalus, a Stoic philosopher who was Seneca's early teacher.
He was also an admirer of Cato, whose name appears regularly in his writings.
But Seneca did not limit himself to Stoicism.
In his philosophy he borrowed freely from other schools, citing Epicurus on several occasions.
After his death, Seneca had an influence on prominent figures such as Erasm, Francis Bejka, Pascal, Montenj and until today. Here are the top 3 tips he gives people to have a rich spiritual life.
1. Find a role model to follow
In his letters to Lucilius, Seneca urges him to choose a model to provide a standard for how to live life. This is not a unique idea of Stoicism. But the ancient philosopher thought that it is a necessary step in the goal of having a good life.
The person we choose as a role model can provide us with principles that can help us succeed even in the most difficult circumstances, and some standards by which we can judge our daily behavior. "So choose someone as a model, whose way of life, words and very face reflects the character behind it," wrote Seneca.
2. Never be a slave to your wealth
Seneca wanted only the good side of wealth. He was always ready to use it but never depended on it. He was her master and not her slave. According to him, we must constantly analyze if we are so obsessed with the wealth we have, that we are afraid of losing it and therefore return it to our master.
As Seneca wrote in the book "On the Happy Life" "Because the wise man does not care about wealth. If there is, it is something good. But he does not accept in his heart". Meanwhile, he emphasized that we should be proud and not slaves to our fate: "Because the wise man considers wealth as his slave, while the fool as his Lord".
3. Fight your ego
Seneca understood very well how our ego can prevent us from learning and moving forward. In today's culture where everyone's self-esteem is inflated, we are used to hearing only praise. And when you keep hearing that you're actually a super-human, you start to believe it yourself.
Seneca warned Lucilius of the dangers of such indulgence: “The main obstacle is that we are too soon pleased with ourselves. If we find someone who calls us a good, caring and principled person, and we accept these praises. So we stay with those who constantly call us the best and the wisest, even though we know that they often tell a lot of lies. Therefore we do not want to change anything about ourselves, as we believe that we are already excellent in every aspect.
Quotes from Seneca
"Consider the path you have followed through difficulties: Difficult conditions can be softened, limited ones can be enlarged, and heavy ones can weigh less on those who know how to bear them.
"Let all your activity be directed at some object, having also a purpose."
"Often a very old man has no other evidence of his long life than his age."
"We say that nothing happens to a wise man against his expectations."
"Believe me, it is better to understand the balance of one's life than to trade in corn."
"We humans are not given a short life. We are the ones who shorten it by wasting it". / Bota.al
-
-
-
Tragedy in Novi Sad, Vucic announces further resignations
November 19, 21:23 -
-
Happening now...
America may withdraw from Europe, but not from SPAK
Nga Gentian Gaba
ideas
Who is the Surrel Rabbit?
Nga Sidi Hasanaj
The two wrong paths of the opposition with the Ombudsman
Nga Patrik Sadikaj
top
Alfa recipes
TRENDING 
services
- POLICE129
- STREET POLICE126
- AMBULANCE112
- FIREFIGHTER128