Seneca Letters #76 – On Learning Wisdom in Old Age

Seneca’s Letters from a Stoic, or the Epistulae Morales ad Lucilium, is a collection of letters written by the Roman philosopher Seneca to his friend Lucilius. These letters contain wisdom and guidance on how to live a virtuous life, and they remain relevant even today. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at Letter #76, in which Seneca discusses the importance of reflection and self-examination.

The letter begins with Seneca stating that we should take some time each day to reflect on our actions, thoughts, and words. He believes that this self-examination is crucial for personal growth and improvement. Seneca writes, “It is necessary for you to withdraw into yourself. For nowhere can a person find a retreat more peaceful and less busy than in their soul.”

Seneca also warns against being too busy or preoccupied with external matters, as this can prevent us from focusing on our inner selves. He writes, “You should not allow your mind to be absorbed in external things, nor should you regard anything as your own except your mind itself.” According to Seneca, our mind is the only thing that we truly own and have control over, and we should prioritize its health and wellbeing.

In addition to reflecting on our own actions and thoughts, Seneca advises us to learn from the experiences and mistakes of others. He writes, “You can find examples from the lives of others…Learn from these examples, therefore, and make your life safe.” By studying the successes and failures of others, we can gain insight into how to navigate our own lives and make better decisions.

Seneca also emphasizes the importance of humility and self-awareness. He writes, “Be humble, if you would obtain mercy. What is loftiest and most secure is least elevated.” According to Seneca, those who are too proud and arrogant will inevitably face a fall, while those who remain humble and self-aware can avoid such a fate.

Finally, Seneca stresses the importance of taking action and making positive changes in our lives. He writes, “The chief task in life is simply this: to identify and separate matters so that I can say clearly to myself which are externals not under my control, and which have to do with the choices I actually control.” By identifying what we can and cannot control, we can focus our efforts on making positive changes in our own lives and the world around us.

In conclusion, Seneca’s Letter #76 provides valuable guidance on the importance of self-examination, humility, and taking action to improve our lives. By reflecting on our own thoughts and actions, learning from the experiences of others, and remaining humble and self-aware, we can live a more virtuous and fulfilling life. As Seneca writes, “To live is not to learn, but to apply, and what matters is the application of what you learn.”