Silence of Reason and Good Works--Seneca and Stoic Teachings

Silence of Reason and Good Works--Seneca and Stoic Teachings

Stoicism is a school of philosophy founded by the Greek Zeno in the third century B.C. and later developed in Rome. At the core of its thought is an attitude that emphasizes reason and the ideal of living without being influenced by emotions. Representative philosophers include Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius. They taught that man is a being of reason and that he can attain happiness by living according to it. They also believed that it is important to accept one's destiny and not become attached to it, since many of life's events are beyond one's control. Under this line of thought, one was required to maintain a calm mind (ataraxia) and not be carried away by the waves of emotions such as anger and sadness. Philosophy was not mere contemplation; it was to be practiced in daily life, and the ideal was to embody virtue as a result.

Good conduct is an important element in Stoic philosophy. It was held that action based on reason and virtue is the good life and should be an end in itself. In Stoicism, the four virtues of justice, courage, wisdom, and temperance are the foundation of good conduct, and acting according to them leads to a better life. Good conduct also means to serve the happiness and good of others without seeking reward. What is important is not the result of the action, but the value of the act itself. Seneca also said, "No good deed should be done in search of a reward. For it is a reward in itself," emphasizing the pure value of the action.

Many of Seneca's words remain a straightforward expression of Stoic thought. He said, "Life is not short. It is we who are wasting it." He emphasized the importance of awareness in the use of time. He also said, "Happiness is not about getting what you want, but about being satisfied with what you have." He argued that inner satisfaction, not external factors, is what leads to true happiness. He further stated that "anger is but temporary madness," indicating that emotional control is essential to a rational life. A phrase that epitomizes the Stoics' view of destiny is "Make way for those who follow their destiny and drag them to follow those who defy it," indicating the importance of living with, rather than resisting, the inevitable fate. His philosophy is that "it is not death that we should fear. It is the meaninglessness of our lives up to that point." He teaches that we should focus on living a fulfilling life rather than fearing death.

Seneca's philosophy has influenced many people today and is particularly compatible with the ideas of self-help and minimalism. The importance of controlling emotions and accepting one's destiny is a practical philosophy that can be applied in today's stressful society.