Seneca Letters #77 – On Taking One’s Own Life

Letter 77, written by the Roman philosopher Seneca, is a reflection on the topic of suicide. The letter was addressed to his friend Lucilius, who was struggling with thoughts of ending his own life.

In the letter, Seneca argues that suicide is not a solution to life’s problems, and that it is better to endure suffering than to end one’s own life. He acknowledges that life can be difficult and that there are times when one may feel overwhelmed by their troubles, but he believes that these difficulties can be overcome with time and effort.

Seneca points out that suicide is not an escape from suffering, but rather a transfer of suffering from one’s self to others. He writes, “What good will it do you to have inflicted death upon yourself? You will have fled from yourself, not from troubles.” In other words, the problems that lead someone to consider suicide will not disappear, and their loved ones will be left to deal with the aftermath of their death.

The philosopher also emphasizes the importance of enduring suffering as a means of developing one’s character. He writes, “I do not call a man courageous who is unafraid to die, but rather one who is unafraid to live.” Seneca believes that by facing and overcoming challenges, we become stronger and more resilient individuals.

However, Seneca is not completely dismissive of the idea of suicide. He recognizes that there may be extreme circumstances, such as terminal illness or unbearable pain, where suicide could be seen as a viable option. But even in these cases, he advises caution and encourages individuals to seek out other options before resorting to suicide.

The most important quote from letter 77 is: “It is not that we have a short time to live, but that we waste a lot of it. Life is long enough, and a sufficiently generous amount has been given to us for the highest achievements if it were all well invested.”

This quote reminds us that life is a precious gift, and that it is important to make the most of the time we have. Seneca urges us to focus on the things that truly matter and to use our time wisely. This is particularly relevant in today’s world, where many people are consumed by distractions and feel like they never have enough time to do the things they want to do.

In conclusion, Seneca’s letter on suicide provides valuable insights into the importance of enduring suffering and making the most of the time we have. While suicide may seem like a solution to life’s problems, it ultimately causes more harm than good. Instead, we should strive to develop our character and overcome challenges, and focus on living our lives to the fullest. Seneca’s words of wisdom continue to be relevant today, and offer a timeless reminder of the value of life.