Overview
This lecture introduces Stoicism, focusing on Seneca's teachings on emotional resilience, preparing for the worst, and finding peace of mind in adversity.
Origins and Key Figures
- Stoicism is a philosophy from ancient Greece, later developed in Rome.
- Seneca (4 BC–65 AD) was a leading Roman Stoic philosopher and statesman.
- Much of Seneca’s philosophy is preserved in letters advising friends during crises.
Preparing for Adversity
- Stoicism teaches us to imagine the worst-case scenario and accept its possibility.
- The worst outcomes in life are often survivable, not absolutely catastrophic.
- Seneca advised Lucilius to get comfortable with potential losses like humiliation, poverty, or exile.
- Reflection on possible misfortune helps manage fear and anxiety.
- Nothing in life should be unexpected; anticipate the full range of human experience, including rare disasters.
Grief and Acceptance
- Upon Marcia’s loss of her son, Seneca reminded her that tragedy is part of the natural order.
- We often fail to anticipate misfortune, despite seeing it happen to others.
- Loving someone should include acceptance of their potential loss, since nothing is guaranteed.
Life, Death, and Endurance
- The Stoic wise person values quality of life over quantity.
- Life should be lived as long as it is worthwhile; enduring unbearable suffering is not required.
- Choosing death is acceptable if rationally decided after genuine effort and reflection.
- The goal is not to escape life early, but to escape living badly.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Stoicism — A philosophy focusing on emotional resilience and accepting things outside one's control.
- Seneca — Roman Stoic philosopher known for his writings on dealing with adversity and grief.
- Resilience — The ability to recover quickly from difficulties.
- Exile — Being banished from one's home, often as punishment.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Reflect on personal fears by imagining worst-case scenarios and considering their survivability.
- Read more of Seneca’s letters for deeper insight into Stoic practices.
- Practice accepting the unpredictability of life and focusing on what can be controlled.