Seneca Moral essays
Seneca: “But how is it that this man studies philosophy…
“But how is it that this man studies philosophy and nevertheless lives the life of a rich man? Why does he say that wealth ought to be despised and yet possess it? that life should be despised, and yet live? that health should be despised, and yet guard it with the utmost care, and wish it to be as good as possible?
The passage follows a public-domain translation of Seneca’s moral essays. The reading beside it is ours.
Stoicism does not require pretending that money, health, and life are worthless. It asks that they be put in their proper place. Of course it is reasonable to protect your health, earn a living, and prefer security to hardship. The mistake is treating these preferred things as the source of your character or the price of your peace. A wealthy person can be enslaved by wealth just as surely as someone without it can be consumed by wanting it. The useful question is not, “Do I own this?” but “What would happen to me if this left?” Could you lose status and remain decent? Could your body change and still find a way to contribute? Care deeply for what you have, without making your soul dependent on it. Today, enjoy one advantage in your life while reminding yourself: it is a gift, not a guarantee.
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