Seneca’s Letters

If you’re wondering who Seneca is and what letters I’ve been reading:

Lucius Annaeus Seneca (ca. 1–65 CE) was the most famous of the Roman Stoic philosophers. After his retirement from the court of the emperor Nero, whom he had first served as a tutor and then as his main political advisor, Seneca wrote, among other things, a long series of letters to his much younger friend Lucilius who was the procurator (financial and tax collection) of Sicily during the reign of Nero.

Letter 74

Letter 74 is about how virtue is a refuge from worldly distractions. I like this letter a lot. Especially this part:

Virtue remains just as great, even when it retreats within itself and is confined on all sides. Its spirit is no less great and upright, its wisdom no less complete, its justice no less firm. Therefore, it is equally happy. For happiness resides in one place only, within the mind itself, and is noble, steadfast, and calm. This state cannot be achieved without knowledge of both divine and human things.

Letter 75

Letter 75 pertains to the diseases of the soul. Seneca opens the letter grouchily to Lucilius who has most likely complained that Seneca’s correspondence lacks eloquence and polish. I appreciate this as I tend to be informal when I write my friends, and I do not wish this blog to be polished. This blog is where I hash out my daily choices and try to live better and healthier.

But remember, eloquence should highlight the facts, not itself. Our concern here is the soul. When someone is sick, they don’t look for a doctor who speaks well—they want one who can heal them.

Letter 76

Letter 76 is about learning wisdom in old age. Seneca argues that it is never too late to start learning in life.

What’s sillier than refusing to learn just because you haven’t been learning for a long time?

You should keep learning as long as you don’t know something—even if it takes your whole life.

Honestly. I think Seneca and I could have been excellent penpals. I very much appreciate his thoughts and ramblings.

Walk

Took a walk to the park with my two daughters, and my daughter’s dog, Fotoula, which is Greek for light.

Slow Quickening

I have struggled today with low energy and mood. I’ve had the max of Concerta (Ritalin) that I can take today, and I’m still so very tired. I know recovering from mania involves varying energy levels for several weeks, but I’d like to level out so that I can work on my book and other goals.

Also, I have been cheating on my diet by eating M&Ms. My daughter brought a big container of them home, and I can’t resist myself. Even though they are full of lactose, and I know I shouldn’t eat them, I do.

Got to get back on my healthy diet only so I can lose weight. My weight loss is slowing as I’ve been slacking a little on the diet.

Well, today, despite my slow quickening, has been a pleasant day. Enjoyed spending time with the girls and reading a good book.

Many thanks for reading, and I hope you have a pleasant day.