Seneca Letters #73 – On Philosophers and Kings

Seneca, the ancient Roman philosopher, wrote 124 letters to his friend Lucilius which were later compiled into a book called “Letters from a Stoic”. In Letter 73, Seneca writes to Lucilius about the importance of consistency and how it can lead to a happier and more fulfilling life.

Seneca begins by reminding Lucilius of the benefits of living a consistent life. He notes that consistency not only leads to better habits and decision-making, but it also allows us to avoid the stress and anxiety that come from constantly changing our minds and behaviors. He writes:

“Nothing contributes to greatness of mind so much as the ability to be strong and constant in one’s decisions, to be master of oneself, and to remain undisturbed in the midst of others’ excitement.”

Seneca goes on to explain that consistency is not just about making decisions and sticking to them, but it is also about being true to oneself and living in accordance with our values and beliefs. He argues that those who live inconsistently and fail to live up to their own standards will never be truly happy or at peace with themselves:

“There is nothing more wretched than a mind that is always hanging in suspense, that cannot determine whether to advance or retreat, or to which side to incline…the wretchedness of such a condition is clear to anyone who has experienced it.”

Seneca also touches on the idea that consistency is essential to building trust with others. If we are constantly changing our minds and behaviors, others will find it difficult to rely on us and trust us. He writes:

“We ought to live in such a way that our words and deeds may be consistent, and that others may know that our thoughts and actions are in harmony.”

In conclusion, Seneca’s Letter 73 emphasizes the importance of consistency in all aspects of life. Whether it is in decision-making, living in accordance with our values, or building trust with others, consistency is essential to living a happy and fulfilling life. By being consistent, we can avoid stress and anxiety, build better habits, and develop a greater sense of self-awareness and peace of mind.

The most important quote from this letter is: “Nothing contributes to greatness of mind so much as the ability to be strong and constant in one’s decisions, to be master of oneself, and to remain undisturbed in the midst of others’ excitement.” This quote highlights the idea that consistency is not just about making decisions and sticking to them, but it is also about being strong and in control of oneself, even in the face of external pressures and distractions. This is a valuable lesson for anyone who wants to develop greater self-awareness and inner strength.