Seneca Letters #37 – On Allegiance to Virtue

Seneca’s Letters to Lucilius is a collection of 124 letters written by the Roman philosopher Seneca, which offer practical advice on how to live a good life. In Letter 37, Seneca discusses the importance of cultivating a sense of gratitude, even in difficult circumstances.

Seneca begins the letter by reflecting on the many blessings he has received in his life, including his health, his education, and his relationships with friends and family. He notes that it is all too easy to take these blessings for granted, and to become focused on the things that we lack, rather than the things that we have.

In order to counteract this tendency, Seneca advises his friend Lucilius to make a habit of regularly reflecting on the good things in his life, and to take pleasure in them, even if they are small. He writes, “I urge you to take pleasure in everything that is your own; embrace your circumstances and rejoice in them, for there is nothing that fits each of us better than that which is truly ours.”

Seneca goes on to explain that this practice of gratitude can help us to endure even the most difficult circumstances. He writes, “For what can be more admirable than a man who bears poverty with dignity, who faces danger with resolution, and who welcomes death with courage? Such a man, who is sustained by the power of his own greatness, can never be overthrown by any force, however great.”

Throughout the letter, Seneca emphasizes that gratitude is not just a matter of feeling grateful, but of actively cultivating a positive mindset. He advises Lucilius to make a habit of looking for the good in every situation, and to avoid becoming overly attached to material possessions or external circumstances. He writes, “The good man…has the ability to take everything in stride and to endure every setback, for he regards nothing as a great loss, except that which he has already counted as lost.”

The most important quote from this letter is perhaps the following: “For what can be more admirable than a man who bears poverty with dignity, who faces danger with resolution, and who welcomes death with courage? Such a man, who is sustained by the power of his own greatness, can never be overthrown by any force, however great.” This quote captures the essence of Seneca’s philosophy, which emphasizes the importance of cultivating inner strength and resilience in the face of adversity. By focusing on the things that we have, rather than the things that we lack, and by cultivating a sense of gratitude for our blessings, we can develop the inner resources that we need to overcome even the most difficult circumstances.

In conclusion, Seneca’s Letter 37 offers valuable insights into the practice of gratitude and its role in helping us to lead a good life. By taking pleasure in the good things in our lives, and by cultivating a positive mindset even in the face of adversity, we can develop the inner resources that we need to endure and overcome the challenges that life throws our way. As Seneca himself writes, “For what can be more admirable than a man who bears poverty with dignity, who faces danger with resolution, and who welcomes death with courage?”