Seneca was a Roman philosopher, statesman, dramatist and satirist who lived from 4 BC to 65 AD. He was one of the most influential figures of Stoicism, a school of philosophy that teaches that the only thing that matters is virtue, which means living according to reason and nature. Seneca wrote many works on ethics, politics, psychology and natural philosophy, as well as tragedies and letters. He also faced many challenges and hardships in his life, such as exile, illness, conspiracy, and forced suicide. In this article, we will explore some of the ways that Seneca can teach us how to keep our calm in difficult situations.
What is Stoicism?
Stoicism is an ancient school of philosophy that originated in Greece and flourished in Rome. The main idea of Stoicism is that we should live according to our rational nature, which is in harmony with the universal nature. This means that we should act virtuously, which is the only thing that is truly good and under our control. Everything else, such as health, wealth, fame, pleasure and pain, is indifferent, meaning that it does not affect our happiness or unhappiness. Stoics believe that we should focus on what we can control, which is our own thoughts and actions, and accept what we cannot control, which is everything else. By doing so, we can achieve inner peace and freedom from negative emotions.
How to keep your calm according to Seneca?
Seneca offers many insights on how to keep our calm in challenging situations based on Stoic principles. Here are some of them:
- Prepare yourself: Seneca advises us to anticipate the possible difficulties and troubles that we may face in life and to prepare ourselves mentally for them. He says that we should not be surprised or shocked by anything that happens, but rather expect it and be ready for it. He says that we should not be afraid of the worst-case scenarios, but rather imagine them and rehearse how we would deal with them rationally and calmly. He says that by doing so, we can reduce our anxiety and fear, and increase our confidence and courage.
- Change your perspective: Seneca advises us to change our perspective on the things that happen to us and to see them from a different angle. He says that we should not judge things by their appearance or by our initial impression, but rather by their essence and by their relation to the whole. He says that we should not magnify our problems or complain about them, but rather minimize them or laugh at them. He says that we should not take things personally or emotionally, but rather objectively and impersonally.
- Use reason: Seneca advises us to use reason as our guide and judge in everything that we do. He says that we should not let our emotions or impulses take over us, but rather control them with our rational mind. He says that we should not act on impulse or passion, but rather on principle and wisdom. He says that we should not follow the crowd or the fashion, but rather follow our own conscience and nature.
- Practice self-control: Seneca advises us to practice self-control in all aspects of our life. He says that we should not indulge in excess or luxury, but rather live simply and moderately. He says that we should not be greedy or covetous of what others have, but rather be content and grateful for what we have. He says that we should not be angry or resentful of what others do, but rather be forgiving and tolerant.
- Seek wisdom: Seneca advises us to seek wisdom from various sources and methods. He says that we should read and study the works of wise philosophers and learn from their examples and teachings. He says that we should also write and reflect on our own thoughts and experiences and learn from our own mistakes and successes. He says that we should also converse and consult with wise friends and mentors who can offer us advice and feedback.
- Live in the present: Seneca advises us to live in the present moment and enjoy it fully. He says that we should not dwell on the past or worry about the future, but rather focus on the here and now. He says that we should not regret or lament what has happened or what might happen, but rather accept it and make the best of it. He says that we should not postpone or procrastinate what we can do today, but rather do it now and do it well.
Conclusion
Seneca was a brilliant philosopher and writer who showed us how to keep our calm in difficult situations. His works are full of practical wisdom and guidance for anyone who wants to live a Stoic life. By following his advice, we can prepare ourselves for the challenges and troubles that we may face, change our perspective on the things that happen to us, use reason as our guide and judge, practice self-control in all aspects of our life, seek wisdom from various sources and methods, and live in the present moment and enjoy it fully. By doing so, we can achieve inner peace and happiness, regardless of external circumstances.
