Seneca Letters #107 – On Obedience to the Universal Will

Seneca’s 107th letter is titled “On Obedience to the Universal Will.” In this letter, he discusses the importance of accepting the will of the universe, regardless of how difficult it may be. Seneca argues that the universe is ruled by reason, and that everything happens for a reason, even if we do not understand it at the time. Therefore, we should not resist or question the events that happen to us, but rather accept them and strive to make the best of them.

Seneca starts the letter by stating that the wise person “obeys the universal reason and fate, and shares its burden,” while the foolish person resists and fights against it. He argues that the universe is like a great work of art, and that each individual has their own part to play in it. Some people may have small parts, while others may have larger ones, but all are necessary and important.

The most important quote from this letter is: “It is the mark of a great man, and one rising above human weakness, to allow no part of his life to be interrupted or upset by the senseless and ridiculous incidents of other people’s lives.” This quote highlights the importance of focusing on our own lives and accepting what comes our way, without allowing ourselves to be negatively impacted by the actions of others.

Seneca goes on to explain that we should not be attached to our possessions or our current situation, as everything is subject to change. He uses the example of a person who is shipwrecked and loses everything they own. The wise person, he argues, will accept their situation and work to rebuild their life, while the foolish person will lament their loss and struggle to move on.

Seneca also touches on the idea of fate, arguing that we should accept both the good and the bad that comes our way. He writes, “When we have recognized that the things which we thought were evils are really good, why should we be anxious about anything that happens thereafter?” This idea of accepting both the good and the bad is a common theme in Stoic philosophy, and is central to Seneca’s teachings.

In conclusion, Seneca’s letter on obedience to the universal will encourages us to accept and embrace the events that happen in our lives, rather than resisting or fighting against them. By accepting our situation and striving to make the best of it, we can become wiser and more resilient individuals. The most important takeaway from this letter is that we should focus on our own lives and not allow ourselves to be negatively impacted by the actions of others.