Sundays with Seneca
Welcome to Sundays with Seneca on the Perennial Meditations podcast. Join the search for ancient lessons on the art of living from the writings and Stoic philosophy of Lucius Annaeus Seneca.
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On Philosophers and Kings
In a letter known today as On Philosophers and Kings, Seneca wrote,
It seems to me erroneous to believe that those who have loyally dedicated themselves to philosophy are stubborn and rebellious, scorners of magistrates or kings or of those who control the administration of public affairs. For, on the contrary, no class of man is so popular with the philosopher as the ruler is, and rightly so, because rulers bestow upon no men a greater privilege than upon those who are allowed to enjoy peace and leisure.
Hence, those who are greatly profited, as regards their purpose of right living, by the security of the State, must needs cherish as a father the author of this good; much more so, at any rate, than those restless persons who are always in the public eye, who owe much to the ruler, but also expect much from him, and are never so generously loaded with favors that their cravings, which grow by being supplied, are thoroughly satisfied. And yet he whose thoughts are of benefits to come has forgotten the benefits received, and there is no greater evil in covetousness than its ingratitude.
Besides, no man in public life thinks of the many whom he has outstripped; he thinks rather of those by whom he is outstripped. And these men find it less pleasing to see many behind them than annoying to see anyone ahead of them. That is the trouble with every sort of ambition; it does not look back. Nor is it ambition alone that is fickle, but also every sort of craving because it always begins where it ought to end. […]
“Our philosopher will therefore acknowledge that he owes a large debt to the ruler who makes it possible, by his management and foresight, for him to enjoy rich leisure, control of his own time, and a tranquillity uninterrupted by public employments.”
— Seneca, On Philosophers and Kings
Seneca concludes,
In what respect is Jupiter superior to our good man? His good- ness lasts longer; but the wise man does not set a lower value upon himself just because his virtues are limited by a briefer span. Or take two wise men; he who has died at a greater age is not happier than he whose virtue has been limited to fewer years: similarly, a god has no advantage over a wise man in point of happiness, even though he has such an advantage in point of years. That virtue is not greater which lasts longer. […]
Let us, therefore, believe Sextius when he shows us the path of perfect beauty and cries: “This is ‘the way to the stars’; this is the way, by observing thrift, self-restraint, and courage!”
The gods are not disdainful or envious; they open the door to you; they lend a hand as you climb. […]
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Thank you for reading (my apologies for no audio this week); I hope you found something useful.
Until next time, be wise and be well,
P.S. Feel free to comment, ask questions, or make suggestions!
That struggle with time and the span of our lives, my live - it is almost something that is inherent in the way we live, work and exist in our minds - maybe I’m not sure but when Seneca says ‘...a god has no advantage over a wise man in point of happiness, even though he has such an advantage in point of years. That virtue is not greater which lasts longer.’ It seems obvious as I read it, and as we face loss of our span ... in life, job or even being aware of the duration of a holiday ... it’s often hard to not buy into the notion that duration has a value more than it should and can steal the true virtue of being in the moment. Thank you for today reading