The writings of Seneca 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 by Seneca and the reality we face every day. I love Seneca’s insights and examples, but I must remind myself that, due to his high social position, Seneca hadn’t experienced the challenges and constraints of the average citizen.
I am not exaggerating when I say that a literal interpretation of Seneca can point people in the wrong direction. I can prove my assertion by pointing to Seneca’s nephew, Marcus Annaeus Lucanus (39-65 AD) or “Lucan.”
Lucan was very familiar with the Stoic ideals professed by Seneca. Since an early age, he had embraced the pursuit of truth, self-discipline and steadiness.
He was committed to facing life’s difficulties with serenity, as advised by Seneca in the 18th Letter to Lucilius. It teaches us how to counter adversity with calmness, serenity and moral strength. In today’s terms, I would call it “personal growth.”
The mistake made by Marcus Annaeus Lucanus
Lucan applied himself to studying, but had too widely interpreted Seneca’s exhortation to pursue self-development. The purpose of Seneca’s recommendation was to encourage the development of virtue, especially moderation.
Instead, Lucan interpreted that Seneca was praising study or self-development for career purposes. Seneca’s essay “On the Shortness of Life” and other Ancient Stoics commend us to use time wisely, although not in the context of career development. This didn’t prevent Lucan from working to develop his talents.
Lucan focused his efforts on writing the poem “Pharsalia,” a recreation of the civil war that had brought Julius Caesar to power. “Pharsalia” has merit as a poetic work, but during the rise of the Roman Empire, it was rather foolish to write a poem praising the old Roman Republic.
It’s no wonder that Emperor Nero (54-68 AD) wouldn’t find Lucan’s poem to his taste. Very soon, a deep enmity developed between the two men. Nero’s tyranny made Lucan increasingly angry.
At that point, Lucan must have forgotten Seneca’s advice on anger. In his essay “On Anger,” Seneca is warning readers against anger, recommending them to remain calm and avoid aggressive reactions.
Lucan did the opposite and joined the Pisonian Conspiracy, a plot to assassinate Nero and restore the old Roman Republic. Lucan plotting was in vain because Nero’s soldiers arrested the conspirators, including Lucan, and soon killed them or forced them to commit suicide.
Calmness in Seneca’s art of living
Had Lucan incurred excessive risks by following Seneca’s philosophy? I think so. Lucan had regarded it as his duty to bring down Nero’s tyranny. In some of his philosophical works, Seneca had condemned absolute power as a source of corruption.
In view of his youth, I do not think that Lucan would have participated in the Pisonian Conspiracy without philosophical encouragement. Lucan must have misinterpreted the situation and overrated the success chances that bravery could offer.
What a waste for Lucan to die when he was just twenty-six years old. If Lucan had interpreted Seneca’s advice correctly, he would have exercised some patience. Anyway, Nero did not live long afterwards, showing that the Pisonian Conspiracy had served no purpose.
Let’s not repeat Lucan’s mistake. Seneca’s recommendations should always be taken with a grain of salt. Its key message of calmness should reign supreme above all other messages.
Seneca’s great advice about adversity
My favourite stories from Seneca’s are those that help us put adversity in the right perspective, which is a lesson that Lucan had never learned. We should react by reducing risks, not by increasing them, as Lucan had done.
Excessive risks are a recipe for disaster. In the face of harsh, rough setbacks, I am always reminded of the story of Sextius. According to tradition, Sextius was a wealthy Roman who had lost his house in a fire. Instead of despairing, he said “in life, we are lucky sometimes, but on other occasions, we are not.”
The 59th Letter to Lucilius mentions Sextius, but does not mention his background story nor Hanno’s, whose life could illustrate this point. Hanno was a Carthaginian merchant who, after losing his fleet and his whole capital in a storm, went back to work and rebuilt his business and his fortune.
Seneca’s call for moderation needs a modern interpretation, namely to shun or curtail excessive risks as much as possible. Sadly, Lucan had overlooked this important lesson.
There is no glory in dying before our time, or perishing in some foolish adventure. Even the wisest philosophers should always look right and left before crossing the street.
If you are interested in applying rational ideas in all sorts of situations, I recommend my book “The philosophy of builders.”
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