John Vespasian

  • ,

    Why Seneca praised solitude

    Few philosophers in history have analysed the advantages, disadvantages, and consequences of solitude. Seneca is one of those few. I regard his observations and advice in this area as particularly worthy. Seneca wrote the essay “On the Tranquillity of the Soul” precisely to explain how to achieve peace of mind. Solitude is one of his…

  • ,

    Seneca on finding joy in solitude

    Compared to Ancient Greece and Rome, people nowadays can easily choose to be as lonely or as gregarious as they wish. Our ability to give shape to our lifestyle is much larger than in the times of Aristotle (384-322 BC) or Seneca. However, the benefits that we can draw from solitude have not changed through…

  • ,

    A summary of Seneca’s advice on personal fulfilment

    High productivity depends on quality-consciousness. There is simply no other way to sell sizeable amounts of products and services at a profit. If we do not deliver quality, customers are going to complain, and we will have to devote our resources to satisfying those complaints. Thus, if we want to achieve our goals in business…

  • ,

    Seneca on personal fulfilment

    In his Letters to Lucilius and essays, Seneca gave a detailed recipe for personal fulfilment. His insights can be applied still today. I am going to summarize them in the next paragraphs. When necessary, I am adapting Seneca’s ideas to our century. The search for personal fulfilment is a lifetime mission. It is not a…

  • ,

    What Seneca got wrong about human nature

    Instead of endless abstract discussions, I prefer philosophers to cut to the chase and give me an example of their theories. If the example is convincing, I may explore their theories further. On the other hand, if the example doesn’t make sense, I will no longer care what that philosopher claims to know. If a…

  • ,

    Seneca’s insights on human nature

    Virtue rewards, first and foremost, its practitioner. That was the reason for Aristotle to recommend virtues such as ambition and personal initiative. Seneca (4 BC-65 AD) did not share the views of Aristotle on virtue because, for Seneca, achievement and success represent the exceptions in life, not the rule. In the 72nd Letter to Lucilius,…

  • ,

    Seneca’s views on human nature

    A linear view of human nature constitutes the weakest point of Seneca (4 BC-65 AD) as a philosopher. He regarded humans as rational, but with a tendency to do too much or too little. If we want to prevent anxiety and worry, he theorized, we should embrace moderation in all things. Seneca considered anxiety and…

  • ,

    Risks in Seneca’s art of living

    The writings of Seneca (4 BC-65 AD) are so persuasive that readers can be tempted to put them into practice before having a clear idea of the consequences. If they follow Seneca’s advice to the letter, I fear that they could get themselves in trouble. Interpretation is a necessary step between the philosophical ideals presented…

  • ,

    Inconsistencies in Seneca’s art of living

    Despite the overall soundness of his ideas, Seneca (4 BC-65 AD) incurred important inconsistencies. His wisdom or “art of living” needs rectifications to avoid potentially lethal risks. Let us point out those inconsistencies and see how to address them. In his 104th Letter to Lucilius, Seneca enunciated a crucial tenet of Stoicism: “Individuals who conform…

  • ,

    Seneca and the art of living

    In contrast to most Ancient Greek and Roman philosophers, Seneca (4 BC-65 AD) remained highly consistent between his writings and his own life. I am referring specifically to his life in Corsica, where he had been exiled by Emperor Nero (54-68 AD). Seneca’s wisdom or “art of living” has maintained its value through the centuries…

Categories

Recent Posts

Tags

aesthetics Art of living authenticity balanced lifestyle biography Buddhism causality character development education effectiveness epistemology equanimity existentialism flourishing friendship governance happiness harmony humanism human nature intellectual pursuits justice literary style logic love and relationships moderation nature of existence peacefulness peace of mind personal growth pessimism potentiality relativism Renaissance resilience rhetoric self-discipline simple lifestyle solitude theory of the will the problem of evil Time management unconscious mind virtue wisdom