Stoicism for a Better Life – Weekly exercise (February 28, 2021)

Hello there,

For this week’s exercise, let us look at some words from Seneca’s Moral Letters to Lucilius CVIII 35-38:

“Many words have been spoken by Plato, Zeno, Chrysippus, Posidonius, and by a whole host of equally excellent Stoics. I’ll tell you how people can prove their words to be their own – by putting into practice what they’ve been preaching.”

This is a theme that comes up fairly often, for our school is a practical one and it is built to practice it and apply it. Real philosophers (not academic) are not concerned with what is said, but only what is done. You’re welcome to take all the words of all the philosophers and use them in your quest for a good life. However, the way you show that you understand and have learned what they teach is not by repeating the words. No, it is by exemplifying them in your day to day life, thoughts, decisions and interactions.

We are here learning and discussing not to show how many quotes we can remember or discussions we can have. Let us never forget that the ultimate goal has and will always be to help us become better people in life, to become more benevolent and just people, and to have the strength to do what is right in the face of injustice, difficulties and a body that craves and wants the opposite.

So as a practical exercise, set a goal in the morning to apply one or two virtuous acts in your daily life, and concentrate and work on applying them as often as you can throughout the day. Put to practice what the school is teaching you. Show the world you embody the words of our ancient guides and make the world a better place by leading through example.

As always, if you have a moment, share some of your stories on your preferred social media platform. Your stories always help inspire others.

Anderson Silver