Seneca Letters #64 – On the Philosopher’s Task

In Seneca’s Letters #64, he writes to Lucilius about the importance of consistency in our actions and beliefs. He stresses that it’s not enough to simply know what is right and wrong, but we must also act accordingly.

Seneca begins the letter by saying, “It is not that we have a short time to live, but that we waste a lot of it.” He emphasizes that time is a finite resource and we must use it wisely, and that includes being consistent in our actions and beliefs. Seneca believes that consistency is essential for leading a good life, and that inconsistency leads to confusion and chaos.

He says that our thoughts and actions must be in harmony with each other, and that we must always strive to be better than we were yesterday. We must constantly work on improving ourselves and our actions, and never settle for mediocrity.

One of the most important quotes from this letter is, “What you see is the result of your previous choices, and what you will see in the future is the result of your present choices.” Seneca is saying that we are responsible for our present and future, and that our choices determine our fate. We cannot blame anyone else for the state of our lives; we must take ownership of our actions and make better choices going forward.

Seneca also emphasizes that consistency is not just about doing the right thing all the time, but also avoiding the wrong things consistently. We must be vigilant about our thoughts and actions, and avoid anything that goes against our beliefs and values. This requires discipline and self-control, but the rewards are worth it.

In conclusion, Seneca’s Letters #64 is a reminder that consistency is key to living a good life. We must be consistent in our actions and beliefs, and strive to improve ourselves every day. Our choices determine our present and future, and we must take responsibility for them. By avoiding inconsistency and living with purpose and intention, we can make the most of our limited time on earth.