Seneca Letters #124 – On the True Good as Attained by Reason

Seneca’s Letters from a Stoic is a collection of 124 letters that offer valuable insights into the philosophy of Stoicism. Each letter discusses a different topic and offers advice on how to live a good life. In letter #124, titled “On the True Good as Attained by Reason,” Seneca discusses the importance of reason in achieving true happiness and fulfillment.

Seneca starts the letter by acknowledging that people often pursue wealth, power, and pleasure, thinking that these things will bring them happiness. However, he argues that these external things are not the key to a good life. Instead, true happiness and fulfillment can only be achieved by living in accordance with reason and virtue. Seneca writes, “What is needed, therefore, is not some new discovery, but a new frame of mind, that we may act in conformity with our true selves.”

Seneca goes on to explain that the pursuit of external things can actually be harmful to our well-being. He writes, “It is not that we have a short space of time, but that we waste much of it. Life is long enough, and it has been given in sufficiently generous measure to allow the accomplishment of the very greatest things if the whole of it is well invested.” In other words, we should focus on using our time wisely and pursuing the things that truly matter, rather than chasing after fleeting pleasures.

The letter also touches on the importance of self-awareness. Seneca argues that we should strive to understand ourselves and our motivations, and avoid being swayed by external influences. He writes, “Let us go forth boldly, but not with an unbridled courage. The wise man will be as happy as circumstance permits, and if he finds the path of life blocked, he will go as far as his reason and power of judgment will take him.”

One of the most important quotes from this letter is, “The only true good is a good will.” Seneca emphasizes that virtue and reason are the key to true happiness and that everything else is secondary. He writes, “The good of which we are in search is not to be found in anything corporeal or material, nor yet in pleasures and amusements, or in things which pander to the pride and vanity of mankind; it is something that exists in ourselves and is a real part of the divine within us.”

Overall, Seneca’s letter #124 offers valuable insights into the Stoic philosophy and the importance of reason, virtue, and self-awareness in achieving true happiness and fulfillment. By focusing on our internal values and living in accordance with reason, we can find meaning and purpose in our lives, regardless of our external circumstances.