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The Death of Seneca. Rubens

Seneca is the classical philosopher of this moment—hardly a week goes by that the leading Stoic is not quoted in my newsfeeds. Seneca was a Roman writer and politician. He was an adviser to the Emperor Nero, enabled the monster, went out with dignity and killed himself. Doesn’t seem the type who could dish out tips on how to be happy, but despite the name of their school the Stoics were not bummers. They believed that some things are within our control and some are not. Therefore we should focus on the stuff that we can control, and not whine about the rest.

This introduction to On the Happy Life includes Seneca’s commandments to himself. Save them on your phone, to read in trying times.

I. I will look upon death or upon a comedy with the same expression of countenance.

II. I will despise riches when I have them as much as when I have them not.

III. I will view all lands as though they belong to me, and my own as though they belonged to all mankind.

IV. Whatever I may possess, I will neither hoard it greedily nor squander it recklessly.

V. I will do nothing because of public opinion, but everything because of conscience.

VI. I will be agreeable with my friends, gentle and mild to my foes: I will grant pardon before I am asked for it, and will meet the wishes of honourable men half-way.

VII. Whenever either Nature demands my breath again, or reason bids me dismiss it, I will quit this life, calling all to witness that I have loved a good conscience, and good pursuits.