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Inconsistencies in Seneca’s art of living
Despite the overall soundness of his ideas, Seneca 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. Three centuries before Seneca, Cleanthes (330-230 BC) had enunciated a crucial tenet of Stoicism: “People who conform to the…
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Seneca and the art of living
In contrast to most Ancient Greek and Roman philosophers, Seneca 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 because it responds…
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The impact of Seneca’s wisdom
When people read the writings of Seneca and put them into practice, the consequences can be disappointing. If they were looking for easy solutions, they would soon discover that Stoicism is hard to implement and arduous to sustain. Am I exaggerating the difficulties of practising Stoicism in all areas of life? Not in the least.…
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Best of Seneca’s wisdom
Seneca wrote extensively about Stoicism and developed its principles in minute detail. In his essays and in the Letters to Lucilius, he illustrated those principles with a vast array of historical anecdotes. I am going to summarise Seneca’s wisdom in four insights that anyone can put into practice today. Feasibility is the main criterion employed…
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Critique of Seneca’s call for self-discipline
A friend of mine, who is practising martial arts, told me that his master is requiring students to iron their martial arts attire before going to class. I believe that there is a Korean word to designate the robe and pants that students must wear, but I will just call it “attire.” During the exercises…
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Seneca and self-discipline
Realistic individuals are naturally suspicious of propositions that look too good to be true. No wonder. Experience proves to all that there is no free lunch, and that we should better watch out when someone promises anything resembling a free lunch. Seneca did not make unrealistic promises. In his writings, he deployed vast efforts to…
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Seneca’s two principles for a life of moderation
One of the advantages of reading Seneca is that it helps us think in terms of principles. Philosophy is meant to provide universal insights that help us solve problems rapidly. In his 8th Letter to Lucilius, Seneca outlines a key principle for individuals willing to lead a life of moderation. The short version of the…
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The practice of Seneca’s doctrine of moderation
Experience has taught me to be sceptical of philosophical or ideological proclamations, especially when they conflict with my own observations. Seneca wrote abundantly about self-control and moderation, but I see too few successful examples in reality. Did Seneca expect that people would adopt his philosophy? Would he wonder why, centuries later, practically everybody is ignoring…
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Mistakes in Seneca’s doctrine of moderation
Despite its benefits, there is a crucial flaw in the doctrine of moderation proposed by Seneca. The problem is not new in the history of philosophy. Four centuries earlier, Aristotle (384-322 BC) had committed the same error when he came up with the doctrine of the golden mean. I blame the flaw on the philosophers’…
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Seneca on leading a life of moderation
It is easy to preach moderation when one does not have the resources or capability to engage in excesses. If I can afford to eat only bread and cheese, it doesn’t cost me anything to speak against gluttony and luxurious food. Late in life, Seneca was the foremost apostle of moderation, but his previous lifestyle…
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