Asher Sisneros

The Roman philosopher Seneca was often considered Nero’s leash. The psychotic and blood-thirsty maniac emperor was most reasonable in the first five years of his reign when Seneca’s influence as an advisor permeated Nero. As the Roman monarch lost his mind, Seneca distanced himself more. But while we mostly remember the Stoic philosopher because of Nero’s fame, what did he teach and believe? That is the topic of this essay. 

In his letters to Lucilius, his message was to learn forever. Humans should strive for perfect logic and reasoning. Even as we age, our wisdom isn’t perfect. But knowledge isn’t a product of luck. Work and hours of study and experience are necessary to earn it. For that reason, continuing to learn through adulthood is our duty. 

He also believed that reasoning differentiated us from animals. Since we judge creatures based on their unique factor—what makes them different from other animals—we should also judge ourselves that way. He used a lion as an example to drive home his point. Beyond all other creatures, lions are memorable for their courage. Courage makes the lion unique. So, we judge the lion based on that. But the same is true of any other animal. A good horse is swift, and a good hunting hound has an exceptional nose. Physically, we can’t out-do any animal. Our unique factor is our minds. Human exceptionalism comes from logic and reasoning. That is what Seneca believed. 

Additionally, he argued that virtue and honor were products of good reason. Since humans praise someone with good virtue more than riches or strength, virtue must be the most powerful attribute. Similarly, men seek honor more than anything else. Honor is why men will give their lives defending their country. So, if someone were to seek honor, and honor comes from reasoning—it takes reasoning to identify what is honorable—we should strive for logic/reason. 

He also spoke against pleasure since it taints our virtue. Instead, we use our senses to define what is good. Of all the senses, he said reasoning is the chief cornerstone in defining good and evil. As a Christian, I disagree. To me, the Bible—God’s word—is the standard for identifying good and evil not our capricious reasoning. Humans are experts in self-deception. Not only can we deceive ourselves into believing something is just, but we can change those standards over time as human reasoning changes. But justice cannot change. It must remain constant to be true justice. But I digress and will get back on topic to what Seneca believed. 

Finally, he defined “good” as a free and upright mind, subjecting things to itself and itself to nothing. In other words, “good” is a virtuous mind unpersuaded by passions. Children do not have it since they are naive. Attaining logic and reasoning, which are the chief good in men, takes time. It is a skill that’s learned. Nobody is born with it, but everyone can get it. 

Seneca listed a  lengthy argument in letters to Lucilius, but this is just a brief overview. In summary—because honor, praise, virtue, and wisdom produce happiness—logic is the root of happiness. It is also the cornerstone for defining good and evil, and reasoning is even good itself. In conclusion, strive for logic.