Seneca Letters #39 – On Noble Aspirations

Seneca’s Letters from a Stoic continue to offer valuable insights into the Stoic philosophy, and Letter 39 is no exception. In this letter, Seneca emphasizes the importance of developing a consistent and rational philosophy of life, rather than merely following popular opinion or being swayed by emotion.

One of the key points Seneca makes in this letter is that we should not be afraid to depart from the customs and beliefs of our society if we find them to be irrational or harmful. He writes, “It is the mark of a great mind to follow things that are obscure and to penetrate to what is farthest from view, without regard to self-interest or applause.” In other words, true wisdom requires us to seek truth and insight wherever it may lead us, regardless of whether our findings are popular or well-received.

Seneca also cautions against allowing our emotions to override our reason, writing, “We should not allow our passions to gain mastery over us, for then they will tyrannize over us.” Instead, he advocates for a calm and rational approach to life, which allows us to make well-reasoned decisions based on our values and principles.

Another important point Seneca makes in this letter is that we should not be overly attached to material possessions or external circumstances. He writes, “We ought to realize that things which are necessary to happiness are free—temperance, self-control, and forbearance.” This is a core tenet of the Stoic philosophy, which emphasizes the importance of focusing on what we can control, such as our thoughts and actions, rather than what is beyond our control, such as external circumstances.

Overall, Letter 39 is a powerful reminder of the importance of developing a consistent and rational philosophy of life. By striving for wisdom, self-control, and a focus on what truly matters, we can lead fulfilling and meaningful lives that are guided by reason rather than emotion or societal norms.

The most important quote from this letter is: “It is the mark of a great mind to follow things that are obscure and to penetrate to what is farthest from view, without regard to self-interest or applause.” This quote encapsulates the idea that true wisdom requires us to seek truth and insight wherever it may lead us, regardless of whether it is popular or well-received. It is a call to be bold and courageous in our pursuit of knowledge and understanding, and to be willing to depart from societal norms and expectations if we find them to be irrational or harmful.

In conclusion, Seneca’s Letters from a Stoic continue to offer valuable insights into the Stoic philosophy, and Letter 39 is no exception. By emphasizing the importance of developing a consistent and rational philosophy of life, avoiding being swayed by emotion, and focusing on what truly matters, Seneca provides a roadmap for living a fulfilling and meaningful life.