Seneca’s view on Toga’s, Balance, and Presence(Letter 5 of 124 - Letters from a Stoic)
Lucius Annaeus Seneca (c. 4 BC-AD 65), known as Seneca the Younger is a Roman Stoic Philosopher who is known for a lot of things among them is being the adviser to Emperor Nero and traveling Southern Italy while writing the Moral Letters to Lucilius, which is a series of 124 letters on daily life and Stoicism. The letters have since been written in a well known book titled Letters from a Stoic.
According to the Cambridge dictionary, Stoicism is defined as “The quality of experiencing pain or trouble without complaining or showing your emotions.” Many great business leaders including the modern day technology leaders are known to practice the Stoic Philosophy which is an ancient Greek system on how to approach life.
Letter 5 is called, “The Philosopher’s Mean,” and Seneca discusses balance and presence.
“I commend you and rejoice in the fact that you are persistent in your studies, and that, putting all else aside, you make it each day your endeavor to become a better man. I do not merely exhort you to keep at it; I actually beg you to do so. I warn you, however, not to act after the fashion of those who desire to be conspicuous rather than to improve, by doing things which will rouse comment as regards your dress or general way of living… The mere name of philosophy, however quietly pursued, is an object of sufficient scorn; and what would happen if we should begin to separate ourselves from the customs of our fellow-men? Inwardly, we ought to be different in all respects, but our exterior should conform to society.”
What’s fascinating about what Seneca is informing Lucilius is to improve yourself, specifically improve yourself from within. He’s advising not to improve for attention, rather improve from within and satisfy yourself. At times we’ve all been guilty of trying to appear like we’ve improved to others, and we may genuinely have, but to do it for others may not be the best of endeavors. Long term, it’s far more satisfying to improve yourself for your own well being and growth.
“Let us try to maintain a higher standard of life than that of the multitude, but not a contrary standard; otherwise, we shall frighten away and repel the very persons whom we are trying to improve. We also bring it about that they are unwilling to imitate us in anything, because they are afraid lest they might be compelled to imitate us in everything… Do not wear too fine, nor yet too frowzy, a toga. One needs no silver plate, encrusted and embossed in solid gold; but we should not believe the lack of silver and gold to be proof of the simple life.”
Seneca is informing Lucilius on balance and striving to be in the “middle.” Don’t be too dirty, and don’t necessarily go for the greatest of things. Just because someone doesn’t care about their appearance, it doesn't mean they are pious, and just because someone has the greatest of things, it doesn’t mean they are the best. It’s about finding the balance in between, and not being addicted to things. What’s far more effective is balance, and being fluid.
“Just as the same chain fastens the prisoner and the soldier who guards him, so hope and fear, dissimilar as they are, keep step together; fear follows hope… Cease to hope, and you will cease to fear… Beasts avoid the dangers which they see, and when they have escaped them are free from care… We men torment ourselves over that which is to come as well as over that which is past. Many of our blessings bring bane to us; for memory recalls the tortures of fear, while foresight anticipates them. The present alone can make no man wretched.”
Seneca is advising Lucilius to not be too high or too low in situations, and to focus on being present during the task you are working on.
Fire is great during winter to keep you warm, but too much fire can cause destruction. Water is an incredible element, it keeps us hydrated and healthy, but too much water can drown you. This is similar to “torchering” ourselves when recalling unpleasant events from the past, and thinking too much about the future. Focusing and being present on a single task gives us a greater feeling of presence and well-being. Even if we aren’t 100% feeling great in the moment, it is far more effective than recalling thoughts, because at least we are working towards getting a result.
