Seneca Moral essays
Seneca: When you are especially enjoying yourself, be…
When you are especially enjoying yourself, be especially on your guard: when everything seems to you to be peaceful, be sure that mischief is not absent, but only asleep. Always believe that something will occur to offend you.
The passage follows a public-domain translation of Seneca’s moral essays. The reading beside it is ours.
Do not confuse a peaceful moment with a guarantee that nothing difficult is coming. Plans will change, people will disappoint you, and some inconvenience will interrupt the good day. Seneca's advice is not to become anxious or suspicious. It is to rehearse reality so that surprise does not turn into rage. Before a trip, expect a delay. Before a meeting, expect a disagreement. Before sharing a home with anyone, expect habits that irritate you. This is not pessimism; it is preparation. When the ordinary obstacle arrives, you can say, Of course—this was always possible. Then you can respond without the extra suffering of feeling personally betrayed by life. Today, name one likely frustration ahead of time and decide how you will handle it. A little forethought can keep a small disruption from owning your whole day.
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