In this article, we will present some of the most interesting, inspiring and mindful quotes from the Stoic philosopher Seneca. Join us as we take a deeper look into this philosopher’s mind.
It is not an easy task to list the top ten quotes from any Stoic philosopher. Every quote is a thought embodied, and by separating it from the text as a whole, we run the risk of delivering a hard blow to the quality of understanding of Stoic philosophy.
We should always pay attention to the whole, because the point of a philosophers’ thought lies within it. Therefore, the parts (quotes) are best understood in relation to the whole. Nevertheless, we will extract some quotes from the philosophies of Seneca the Younger for those who are new to Stoicism and have yet to delve into the deeper content of this philosophy. So, let’s begin.
- “True happiness is to enjoy the present, without anxious dependence upon the future, not to amuse ourselves with either hopes or fears but to rest satisfied with what we have, which is sufficient, for he that is so wants nothing. The greatest blessings of mankind are within us and within our reach. A wise man is content with his lot, whatever it may be, without wishing for what he has not.” ― Seneca
Our first quote is also one of the longest. Here, Seneca considers what it means to be happy and where this happiness lies. He asks the question: does happiness come from external things, or does it exist within us?
- “All cruelty springs from weakness.”
When we feel weak, we are prone to attack others in a misguided attempt to protect ourselves. The mentally strong do not lower themselves to such cruelty; rather, they are the ones who protect others in their weakened states.
- “Religion is regarded by the common people as true, by the wise as false, and by rulers as useful.”
Seneca comments on the nature of religion and its purpose in society, which was transparent to philosophers and unclear to the common person. Stoics clearly saw how something proclaimed to be holy could be used to give birth to demons in the wrong hands.
- “We suffer more often in imagination than in reality”
In the greater context of this quote, Seneca teaches us to control our mind and to discard strong, negative emotions in order to avoid unnecessary suffering. This is often the problem with anxiety, where our imagination causes us distress over events that have not even transpired.
- “He suffers more than necessary, who suffers before it is necessary.”
The subject of this quote relates to the previous one. The events that cause suffering are an inevitable and inescapable part of life, but that does not mean we have to suffer. We have the power to strengthen ourselves in order to make suffering more bearable and to endure our hardships. However, this requires considerable practice.
- “You act like mortals in all that you fear, and like immortals in all that you desire”
Double standards are common among common people. Seneca would encourage us to try to resist this duality. Use your mind and reason, not your desires and fears, to perceive your impressions. It is better to flip this quote, so that we consider our fears as though we are immortal, and choose to live with the knowledge that we are mortal.
- “It is not the man who has too little, but the man who craves more, that is poor.”
If we desire more, we will never be satisfied, for as soon as we acquire one thing, we will instantly find another to desire. This burdens our minds and causes us suffering in our impossible pursuit. Let go of your desire for possessions and you will feel an ease.
- “If you live in harmony with nature you will never be poor; if you live according what others think, you will never be rich.”
In correlation to all other Stoics, Seneca thought that living in accordance with nature is the best possible way to spend your life. Living according to the thoughts and actions of others simply isn’t possible, so it isn’t worth trying. Tune out these “others” and live in accordance with yourself.
- “Hesitation is the best cure for anger. The first blows of anger are heavy, but if it waits, it will think again.”
Anger is a negative emotion that has the most destructive nature. It not only has the potential to hurt others, but also ourselves. If you feel angry, step back and take a deep breath; this will free up some space for your reason to step in.
- “Most powerful is he who has himself in his own power”
Our last quote is a reflection of Seneca’s whole philosophical work. Power does not come from external things in the form of wealth, status, the fear or love of others, possessions, etc. True power comes from within, and its source is the mind.
That concludes our top ten quotes from Seneca, but there are countless others that are meaningful and worth learning. We highly recommend you to buy or borrow a copy of Seneca’s Letters from a Stoic in order to peer deeper into the mind of one of the greatest Stoics who ever lived.
