Seneca’s Phrases: 7 Precious Reflections
There are numerous sentences of Seneca that have survived the time, as they are true extracts of wisdom. After all, it could not have been otherwise for one of the most illustrious men of the Roman Empire, whose philosophical thought set school and decisively influenced his contemporaries.
The peculiarity of Seneca’s sentences lies in their ethical message . Almost all of his writings, and his life itself, are a model of morality. He belonged to the philosophical school of Stoicism, which advocated moderation in times when excess predominated.
The impressive intelligence and oratory capacity of this thinker generated many plots and envy. He suffered from asthma throughout his life. Furthermore, he was close to power, knowledge and philosophy. Here are some of Seneca’s phrases that have passed on to posterity.
The best sentences of Seneca
1. To dare or not
“It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare to do them, it is because we do not dare to do them that things are difficult”. A truly impressive acute reflection when we consider that it was uttered about 2000 years ago.
Seneca means that things can be much more complicated in the mind than in reality. He understood that humans tend to exaggerate what they observe with fear.
2. One of the most beautiful phrases
“One must not complain any more than the one who has just sailed complains”. With this short sentence one can appreciate his poetic capacity, delicate sensitivity and lucid realism.
The metaphor alludes to the fact that a person has no reason to complain about what he himself seeks. Implicitly, he declares that the first time may be apologetic, but the second is not. The person browses again because they have done so before. If she doesn’t like it, then, why do you repeat it?
3. Hidden and manifest hatred
Seneca was the object of envy and hatred, in many cases gratuitous. He was never a man of conspiracies or conspiracies. Despite this, his intelligence and fluidity aroused suspicion, envy and reservations.
It is possible that each of us has experienced this reality at least once. Often, the bitterest hatred is not the most visible.
4. The value of the difficulty
As a good stoic, Seneca placed great value on difficulties. He did not give them a negative meaning, nor did he think they should be avoided. On the contrary, he argued that problems are a source of growth and progress.
In other words, Seneca sees difficulty as an opportunity to exercise and develop reasoning skills.
5. A measure against anger
Another of Seneca’s phrases that surprises for its simplicity and depth. It offers a precise measure for handling anger. It is a simple and effective formula for those who practice it: Against anger, delay.
It is a measure that is never wrong. In most cases, anger can simply be controlled with a little pause. Just stay still and silent for a couple of minutes. Calm returns and we will not say or do anything we may regret.
6. The courage to live
Without a doubt, Seneca’s life was not a bed of roses. Especially during the reign of Caligula, who cruelly pursued him out of jealousy alone. Then there was Nero, his pupil. The same one who sentenced him to the death penalty.
All this not to mention that Seneca was always very frail and suffered indescribably from his anxiety attacks. Perhaps for all this, one of his phrases that has gone down in history says: “Sometimes, even living is an act of courage”.
7. The logic of habits
Seneca makes a very wise and insightful statement about habits. “Certain habits are more easily broken than moderated . ” As always, in one short sentence it sums up a world of wisdom.
A good habit does not survive amidst various negative habits. To favor the succession of healthy habits, it is better to sever others.
Seneca’s phrases are hundreds and all truly extraordinary. It is not for nothing that his thought has overcome the barriers of time and is still relevant today.
