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.
- I feel, my dear Lucílio, that I am not only being reformed, but transformed. However, I still do not assure myself, nor do I grant the hope that there are no elements within me that need to be changed. Of course there are many that should be made more consistent, or sharper, or brought to greater prominence. And indeed, this very fact is proof that my spirit is transformed into something better, – that it can see its own faults, of which it was previously ignorant. In certain cases, sick people are congratulated just because they realize they are sick.
- I wish, therefore, to communicate to you this sudden change in me; I should then begin to place a surer confidence in our friendship,—the true friendship which hope, fear, and self-interest cannot break, the friendship in which and for which men meet death.
- I can show you many who have lacked, not a friend, but a friendship; this, however, cannot happen when souls are united by identical inclinations in a covenant of honest desires. And why can't it happen? Because in such cases men know that they have all things in common, especially their afflictions. You cannot conceive the clear progress that I perceive each day brings me.
- And when you say, “Give me also a part of these gifts that you find so useful,” I respond that I am eager to heap all these privileges upon you, and that I am happy to learn so that I can teach. Nothing will please me, no matter how excellent or beneficial, if I must keep such knowledge exclusive to myself. And if wisdom were given to me, on the express condition that it should be kept hidden and not spoken, I should refuse it. No good thing is pleasant to possess without friends to share it with.
- I will therefore send you the real books; and that you may not waste time in searching here and there for profitable topics, I will mark certain passages, that you may turn at once to those which I approve and admire. Naturally, however, the living voice and intimacy of an ordinary life will help you more than the written word. You must go to the scene of action, first, because men put more faith in their eyes than in their ears, and second, because the path is long if one follows rules, but short and useful if one follows examples.
- Cleantes[1] it could not have been the express image of Zeno, if he had only listened to his lectures; he shared in his life, saw into his hidden purposes, and watched him to see if he lived by his own rules. Plato, Aristotle, and the whole multitude of wise men who were destined to follow each his different path, derived more from the character than from the words of Socrates. It was not the classroom of Epicurus, but living together under the same roof, which made Metrodorus, Hermarchus and Polyenus great men. Therefore, I urge you, not only to receive benefits, but to grant benefits; because we can help each other.
- Meanwhile, I am indebted for my small daily contribution; you will be told what pleased me today in the writings of Hecato; are these words: “What progress, you ask, have I made? I started to be a friend to myself.” This was really a great help; such a person can never be alone. You can be sure that this man is a friend to all humanity.
Keep strong. Stay Well.
[1]Ass Cleaners (ca. 330 BC — ca. 230 BC), was a Stoic philosopher, disciple and follower of Zeno of Citium. Having begun the study of philosophy at the age of 50, after being an athlete and despite living in poverty, he followed the lessons of Zeno of Citium and after his death, around 262 BC, he assumed leadership of the school, a position which he would maintain for 32 years, preserving and deepening the doctrines of his master and predecessor.
Letter 6: The Art of Sharing Knowledge
Seneca, in letter 6, addresses a crucial theme of human life – personal transformation and the sharing of knowledge. He describes his journey of self-reflection and the discovery of flaws that, once ignored, are now visible to him, highlighting the beginning of an internal transformation. Next, the text explores each passage of the letter and weaves in stoic reflections for a deeper understanding.
Personal Discovery and Transformation
“I feel, my dear Lucílio, that I am not only being reformed, but transformed…”
Here, Seneca explores the idea of self-evaluation and evolution. Recognizing our flaws is the first step towards personal transformation, a central theme in Stoicism. Stoics believe that continuous introspection is vital for moral and intellectual evolution. This passage resonates with the Stoic idea of constant self-improvement.
The true friendship
“I wish, therefore, to communicate to you this sudden change in me…”
Seneca expresses the value of true friendship – a relationship not corrupted by fear or self-interest, but strengthened by common goals and values. This is a reflection of the Stoic concept of meaningful relationships that enrich our journey to virtue.
Sharing Knowledge
“And when you say: “Give me also a part of these gifts that you find so useful”, I answer that I am eager to heap all these privileges upon you…”
Seneca emphasizes the importance of sharing knowledge and learning not only for one's own benefit, but for the benefit of others. This idea resonates with the Stoic perspective of contributing to the common good and living a life of service.
The Shared Life
“Cleantes[1] could not have been the express image of Zeno, if he had only listened to his lectures…”
The emphasis on learning through coexistence, in addition to words, highlights the importance of living examples in transmitting wisdom. Stoics value direct experience and observation in learning, beyond mere theoretical discourse.
Personal Progress
“Meanwhile I am indebted for my small daily contribution; you will be told what pleased me today in the writings of Hecato…”
Seneca quotes Hecatus to illustrate personal progress – starting to be a friend to yourself is a great step forward. Friendship with oneself is the basis for a harmonious relationship with the world, an idea deeply rooted in Stoicism.
Final Reflection
Seneca's Letter 6 offers a rich exploration of the importance of recognizing our faults, valuing genuine friendships, and sharing knowledge. He reminds us that true wisdom comes not only from introspection, but also from our interaction and sharing with others. Life, in the Stoic view, is an ongoing journey of self-discovery, learning and contributing to the greater good.
