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When you hear the name Seneca, what comes to mind? Is it wisdom, stoicism, or maybe that iconic image of a philosopher in deep thought? Most likely, you think of a wise sage doling out advice like candy on Halloween. But here’s the twist: Seneca wasn’t perfect. Far from it. He was a human being, tangled up in the same web of contradictions, challenges, and inconsistencies that we all face. So, what gives? Why should we pay attention to a philosopher who, let’s be honest, had his own struggles?

Seneca was filthy rich. And by “filthy rich,” I mean he was so wealthy that he was practically swimming in gold coins like Scrooge McDuck. But hold on, it gets murkier. This dude worked for Nero, the notorious emperor known for his excesses and tyranny. So, how can a guy like this dispense wisdom about self control and virtue? Isn’t he a bit like a fitness coach who’s never set foot in a gym?

Let’s dive into this question. It takes us to a fascinating exchange between Seneca and his friend, Lucilius. It’s in one of Seneca’s letters where Lucilius raises a very valid point. He asks Seneca, “How is it that you are advising me? Have you already advised yourself? Have you got yourself straightened out?” It’s a direct hit. A challenge. It’s the equivalent of looking your buddy in the eye and saying, “Before you tell me how to live my life, maybe check your own first.”

Seneca’s response is humbling. He says, “I am not such a hypocrite as to offer cures while I am sick myself. No, I am lying in the same ward, as it were, conversing with you about our common ailment and sharing remedies.” In Modern English, he’s saying, “Listen, I’m dealing with my own problems here too. I’m in the trenches with you. Let’s learn from one another.” Isn’t that refreshing? Rather than positioning himself as a know it all from some lofty pedestal, Seneca is sharing his own struggles while attempting to help someone else navigate theirs.

In many ways, Seneca was like a fellow traveler on the road of life, wrestling with the same issues as everyone else. That’s a huge part of what makes Stoicism resonate with so many people today. We’re not being taught life lessons from a wise sage reflecting on his conquests; we’re getting practical advice from someone who might still be figuring things out.

It reminds me of something C.S. Lewis once wrote that really hits home: “I write for the unlearned about things in which I am unlearned myself… It often happens that two schoolboys can solve difficulties in their work for one another better than the master can… The fellow pupil can help more than the master because he knows less.” This perspective opens up a crucial pathway for understanding philosophers like Seneca. They’re not dishing out wisdom from a place of expertise, but from a place of relatability. They’re really just trying to make sense of their own lives and hey, maybe what they discover can help you and me, too.

When we read the letters of Seneca, the meditations of Marcus Aurelius, or the discourses of Epictetus, we’re not just tapping into their knowledge. We’re engaging in a dialogue with individuals who faced their own failures and flaws as they attempt for growth. Seneca’s struggles with wealth, ambition, and moral guidance don’t overshadow his insights. In fact, they enhance them. They make his teachings feel far more real and attainable.

So, why is it that we strive to embody the Stoic philosophy, especially when it feels overwhelming, almost impossible, to live it out in our noisy, chaotic lives? The truth is, Stoicism is simple, but it’s not easy. You can summarise the core tenets in a few straightforward lines, but actually applying those principles to your everyday life is where the challenge comes in. This struggle to embody Stoicism can sometimes feel like lifting weights for the first time, you know it’s good for you, but it hurts like hell.

Take, for example, the idea of focusing on what you can control while accepting what you cannot. That’s a super simple concept, right? In theory, it’s as straightforward as flipping a switch. But when life throws challenges your way, relationships, jobs, emotions, it’s a whole different game. You’re grappling with feelings of frustration, doubt, and insecurity which complicates the neat little Stoic package. This is where the understanding that Seneca was also wrestling with similar issues becomes incredibly valuable.

Here’s the thing: we live in a world that often rewards outward success. Society cheers on the billionaire entrepreneurs, the influencers, the celebrities, those who have ‘made it’ but might not have a solid handle on inner peace or personal integrity. We watch as people rush toward material wealth and fame, sometimes at the expense of their own well being and ethics. This can lead to a sense of disconnect when we’re told to pursue virtue and wisdom. How can we learn from someone like Seneca whose life seems marred by contradictions?

But herein lies the brilliance of his philosophy. Seneca doesn’t shy away from his weaknesses; he doesn’t pretend to be infallible. Instead, he embraces the human experience, flaws and all. He’s not coming to you as a guru delivering the perfect path to enlightenment. He’s your friend who’s fumbling his way through the maze, just like you.

Lucilius’ question to Seneca can be seen as a reminder that we should not underestimate the power of community and connection when it comes to personal development. Sharing our experiences and the lessons we learn from our mistakes and failures allows not only for growth that’s grounded in understanding but also fosters a sense of camaraderie. We’re all fighting the same battles, navigating through tougher times, and seeking enlightenment.

In this regard, Seneca’s letters serve as a conversation rather than a lecture. They connect on an individual level, bringing us back to the authenticity of human interaction. When we read Seneca, we aren’t just passively absorbing philosophy; we engage in an ongoing dialougue that invites us to reflect and challenge our own thoughts and behaviors.

Could it be that the Stoics didn’t come from a place of absolute clarity, but rather from a desire to figure things out? They were wrestling with concepts that remain relevant thousands of years later. This is the beauty of Stoicism. While we might not have the wisdom of Seneca himself, we have access to his thoughts, struggles, and reflections. And we can draw from them, even as we too trip and stumble along our own journeys.

So, when you sit down to explore the letters of Seneca or delve into Stoic wisdom, remember that you’re not just cross examining ancient thoughts; you’re engaging with a fellow traveller. You’re not an isolated learner, but part of a lineage of seekers who’ve faced similar questions, flaws, and uncertainties.

Let’s encourage each other to face life’s challenges head on. Seneca’s life was filled with contradictions, yet he made an impact that persists to this day. Maybe he’s not the perfect model of Stoicism, but rather an imperfect human being doing his best while sharing what he’s learned. It’ll be a reminder that we’re all still learning, growing, and striving to find a balance between who we want to be and who we actually are. The next time you grapple with Stoic lessons, remember: our struggles can be our greatest teachers. Let us stand together and embrace the complexity of the human experience, for in that space, we just might find the wisdom we seek.

And above all, let’s make sure we’re doing so as simple, relatable humans, because none of us are perfect, and that’s perfectly okay.