Letters from a Stoic

Seneca begins with a response to Lucilius, who Seneca says recently asked a question that has no purpose other than knowledge itself. Despite this, Seneca wants to answer it, but first he advises Lucilius on how to bring his enthusiasm for learning under proper control so it does not stand in its own way. Knowledge should not be acquired haphazardly. Studies must target what is useful. Recalling lessons from his tutor, Attalus, Seneca tells Lucilius that the purpose of studies should be personal betterment. Philosophy is thus an especially good subject to study, as it brings improvement whether the student devotes themselves to studying it or simply meets philosophers. The wisdom of the philosopher is bound to be recognized and benefit derived unless the listener is actively hostile.

Seneca then raises a potential objection: There have been those who have been in contact with philosophers but have not improved. Seneca likens this to audience members who come simply for entertainment, treating lectures like the theater. Some of these passive listeners might still be stirred by what they hear, but the crowd’s (likely unenlightened) discussions will lessen the lectures’ impact.

Continuing this thought, Seneca argues that making someone wish to be honorable is easy because everyone naturally has the beginnings of

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