Below I present one of Seneca's letters to Lucilius, available at The Stoic, a wonderful site about stoicism and responsible for the translations of Seneca's letters. At the end I added several reflections to deepen the content of the letter.
Greetings from Seneca to Lucilius
- Judging by what you write to me, and what I hear, I am forming a good opinion about your future. You don't run here and there and distract yourself by changing your address; For such restlessness is the sign of a disordered spirit. The chief indication, in my opinion, of a well-ordered mind is a man's ability to stay in one place and keep his own company.
- Be careful, however, that this reading of many authors and books of any kind may tend to make you scattered and unstable. You must remain among a limited number of master thinkers, and digest their works, so that you build firm ideas in your mind. Being everywhere also means being nowhere. When a person spends all their time traveling abroad, they end up having many acquaintances, but no friends. And the same thing must hold true of men who seek intimate acquaintance with no single author, but visit all in a hasty and hurried manner.
- Food is not good for you and is not assimilated by the body if it leaves the stomach as soon as it is eaten; nothing prevents a cure as much as a frequent change of medication; no wound will heal when one balm is tried one after another; a plant that is moved frequently can never grow strong. There is nothing so effective that it can be useful while being moved. And when reading many books there is distraction. Therefore, since it is not possible to read all the books you can own, it is sufficient to own only as many books as you can read.
- “But,” you reply, “I wish to delve first into one book and then into another.” I tell you that it is a sign of gluttony to play with many dishes; because when they are multiple and varied, they bore, but do not nourish. So you should always read quality authors; and when you long for a change, go back to those you have read before. Each day acquire something that will strengthen you against poverty, against death, and against other misfortunes; and after you have examined many thoughts, select one to be completely digested that day.
- This is my own practice; Of the many things I have read, I claim a part for myself. The reflection for today is one that I discovered in Epicurus; because I'm used to even entering the enemy's camp[1], – not as a defector, but as an observer.
- He says: “Satisfied poverty is an honorable property.” In fact, if you are satisfied, it is not poverty. It is not the man who has little, but the man who longs for more, it is the man who is poor. What does it matter what a man has stored in his safe, or in his storehouse, how large are his herds and how fat are his dividends, if he covets his neighbor's property, and does not count his past earnings, but your hopes for future gains? What is the proper limit to wealth, you ask? It is, first, having what is necessary, and, second, having what is sufficient.
Keep strong. Stay Well.
Reflections on Seneca's letter
Greetings, my dear Lucílio. In the second letter of “Letters to Lucilius,” Seneca addresses an important topic: the lack of focus in both study and reading and indiscriminate travel. He begins by praising Lucílio's conduct, who does not allow himself to be carried away by restlessness, frequently changing location and being distracted by a thousand subjects. For Seneca, this is a sign of a disordered spirit.
Stoic Reflection 1: The Importance of Concentration
Here Stoic philosophy teaches us about the importance of concentration and mental serenity. The ability to stay in one place and be in our own company demonstrates a well-ordered mind. The constant search for new experiences and distractions can prevent us from developing deep and firm thoughts. Stoicism values concentration as a path to self-discovery and wisdom.
Selective Study and Reading
Seneca warns Lucilius about reading many authors and books indiscriminately, warning that this can make him dispersive and unstable. He highlights the importance of delving into the works of quality thinkers and digesting their teachings to build solid ideas. Dispersed reading, as well as the incessant search for new things, can weaken understanding and discernment.
Stoic Reflection 2: Depth over Breadth
Here, Stoic philosophy teaches us about the importance of choosing quality over quantity. Instead of diving into countless works, the Stoics advise to wisely choose the authors and texts that really add value to our search for knowledge. Depth of understanding is more valuable than breadth of information.
Purposeless Travel
Seneca compares the lack of focus on reading to the lack of focus on travel. He argues that those who spend all their time traveling the world end up with many acquaintances but no true friends. Likewise, someone who hastily seeks intimate knowledge of many authors does not develop deep relationships with their works.
Stoic Reflection 3: Valuing Friendship and Depth of Knowledge
Stoics value true friendship and deep knowledge. Stoicism teaches us that superficial relationships and futile pursuits are a distraction from true virtue and wisdom. Developing meaningful relationships and delving deeply into knowledge is a path to a fuller and more virtuous life.
Avoiding Inconstancy
Seneca uses metaphors such as “food is not good and is not assimilated by the body if it leaves the stomach as soon as it is eaten” to illustrate the concept of inconstancy. He argues that constantly changing books or experiences prevents full understanding and growth.
Stoic Reflection 4: Stability and Growth
Here Stoic philosophy teaches us about the value of stability and constancy. Just as food cannot nourish the body if it is expelled before complete digestion, our spiritual and intellectual growth requires focus and continuity. Frequent change and the search for new things can impede our progress.
Conclusion: The Search for Wisdom and Balance
Seneca closes the letter with a reflection on the pursuit of wealth and poverty. He quotes Epicurus, stating that true poverty is in the constant search for more, while true wealth is in being satisfied with what you have.
Stoic Reflection 5: Balance as a Virtue
Stoics value balance as a fundamental virtue. The incessant search for material wealth or knowledge can make us insatiable and unhappy. In contrast, finding contentment in what we have and seeking depth in our knowledge are important aspects of the Stoic quest for wisdom and virtue.
In this second letter, Seneca reminds us of the importance of focus, of depth over breadth, and of seeking balance in our intellectual pursuits and life experiences. These stoic reflections encourage us to choose wisely, focus our efforts, and value stability to achieve true wisdom and virtue. As he concludes: “Stay strong. Keep well.”
