Seneca Letters #117 – On Real Ethics as Superior to Syllogistic Subtleties

Seneca’s Letters to Lucilius are a collection of 124 letters that Seneca wrote to his friend Lucilius, offering him advice on various topics including ethics, wisdom, and virtue. In letter 117, Seneca addresses the issue of ethical philosophy and the superiority of real ethics over syllogistic subtleties.

Seneca argues that real ethics, which involve putting our beliefs into practice and living a virtuous life, are far superior to the “syllogistic subtleties” of philosophical argumentation. He claims that many philosophers get so caught up in their own ideas that they lose sight of the practical application of those ideas in the real world. According to Seneca, real ethics are about “doing the right thing” and not just talking about it.

Seneca also points out that true wisdom is not just a matter of intellectual understanding, but also involves the practical application of that knowledge in our daily lives. He states that “there is no other proof of wisdom than a good life” and that true wisdom is demonstrated through our actions, not just our words.

One of the most important quotes from this letter is, “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.” This quote highlights the importance of understanding what we can and cannot control in our lives and focusing our efforts on the things that are within our power.

In this letter, Seneca also emphasizes the importance of humility and self-awareness in the pursuit of wisdom. He cautions against arrogance and the belief that one’s own ideas are infallible, stating that “it is the mark of a great mind to despise nothing and to be startled by nothing.” Seneca believes that only through an open-minded approach to learning and a willingness to admit our own limitations can we truly develop wisdom and virtue.

Overall, Seneca’s letter 117 provides a valuable reminder that philosophy should not be seen as a purely intellectual exercise, but rather as a guide for living a virtuous life. Real ethics involve putting our beliefs into practice and striving to make the world a better place, rather than simply engaging in abstract philosophical debates. By focusing on what we can control and being humble in our approach to learning, we can work towards becoming wiser and more virtuous individuals.