Seneca Epistles 86

Who does Seneca claim to have done reverence to in the country house where he is writing from?

Seneca claims to have done reverence to the spirit of Scipio Africanus and to what he believes might be the tomb or an altar dedicated to that great warrior.

Why is Seneca convinced that Scipio's soul has returned to the heavens?

Seneca is convinced that Scipio's soul has returned to the heavens because of his remarkable moderation and sense of duty, qualities that Seneca admires more for Scipio's voluntary exile than for his military defense of Rom

How does Seneca describe Scipio's decision to leave Rome?

Seneca describes Scipio's decision to leave Rome as an act of self-sacrifice and a testament to his character. Scipio chose exile to ensure that Roman laws and customs remained unbroken and that all Roman citizens kept their equal rights, affirming the state's freedom through his personal sacrifice.

What does Scipio's quote reveal about his values and his view of his role in Rome?

Scipio's quote reveals that he values the rule of law, equality among Roman citizens, and the freedom of his country above his personal power or presence in Rome. It shows that he sees his role not as a permanent leader but as a guardian of Roman freedom, willing to remove himself from the equation if it benefits the Republic.

What does Seneca admire most about Scipio's trait?

Seneca admires Scipio's moderation and sense of duty most, especially after Scipio chose to withdraw from Rome rather than risk becoming a threat to its customs and freedoms. This selfless action is seen by Seneca as a true demonstration of Scipio's admirable character.

What does Seneca admire about Scipio's decision to go into exile?

Seneca admires Scipio's magnanimity, as he voluntarily went into exile to avoid being a burden to the state and to prevent a situation where either his liberty would harm the state or the state's liberty would harm him.

What were the two outcomes Seneca suggests would have been wrong if Scipio stayed?

The two wrong outcomes Seneca suggests are that liberty might harm Scipio or Scipio might harm liberty. In other words, Scipio's presence in Rome could have either compromised his own freedom or the freedom of the Republic.

Where did Scipio retire to after leaving Rome?

Scipio retired to Liternum after leaving Rome.

What did Seneca observe at Scipio's house in Liternum?

Seneca observed that the house was constructed of hewn stone, had a wall enclosing a forest, towers for defense, a well large enough to supply an army, and a small, dark bath, built according to the old customs.

How does Seneca feel about comparing Scipio's way of life with that of his own time?

r: Seneca derives great pleasure from comparing Scipio's simpler, more austere way of life with the more luxurious and elaborate customs of his own time, implying a certain admiration for the modesty and restraint of the past.

Who is referred to as the "terror of Carthage," and what does Seneca say about his bathing habits?

The "terror of Carthage" refers to Scipio Africanus, who is noted by Seneca for his modest bathing habits, bathing in a simple and small facility after laboring in the fields, following the customs of the good old Romans.

What kind of work did Scipio engage in after his retirement according to Seneca?

After his retirement, Scipio engaged in physical labor, cultivating the soil with his own hands, as was the custom of the early Romans.

How does Seneca contrast the bathing habits of his contemporaries with those of Scipio?

Seneca contrasts the modest bathing facilities used by Scipio with the luxurious expectations of his own contemporaries, who are not satisfied unless their baths are decorated with expensive materials and modern comforts such as large mirrors, costly marbles, intricate mosaics, glass-covered ceilings, and pools lined with rare marbles and filled via silver fixtures.

What does Seneca imply about the character and values of his contemporaries through this contrast?

Through this contrast, Seneca implies that his contemporaries have become soft, indulgent, and overly concerned with luxury and opulence, losing sight of the virtues of simplicity, frugality, and hard work that characterized the great figures of the past like Scipio.

What significance does Seneca see in the simplicity of Scipio's bath, and what does it say about Scipio's character?

Seneca sees great significance in the simplicity of Scipio's bath, viewing it as a reflection of Scipio's character—his modesty, his self-restraint, and his adherence to the traditional Roman virtues of hard work and simplicity. He regards these qualities as noble and indicative of true greatness, in contrast to the decadence of his own era.

What is Seneca's opinion on the bathing establishments of the freedmen he mentions?

Seneca views the bathing establishments of the freedmen as excessive and indicative of opulent luxury. He criticizes the extravagance of the decor, such as the unnecessary statues and columns, and the elaborate water features that seem to prioritize ostentation over functionality.

How does the design of Scipio's bath contrast with the preferences of people in Seneca's time regarding light and views?

Scipio's bath had tiny cracks for light, serving both to admit light and maintain the strength of the fortifications, while people in Seneca's time preferred large windows in baths that allowed for extensive sunlight, views over land and sea, and the ability to tan while bathing. This highlights a shift from utilitarian and defensive architecture to one that favors luxury and aesthetic pleasure

hat does Seneca imply about the sustainability of the kind of luxury he describes?

Seneca implies that the pursuit of ever-new forms of luxury is unsustainable, suggesting that such indulgence leads to a cycle of dissatisfaction where what was once admired soon becomes obsolete and is viewed as an antique when luxury "works out some new device."

According to Seneca, how does the public's attitude change towards bathing facilities over time?

According to Seneca, the public's attitude towards bathing facilities changes rapidly; facilities that were once sought after and admired become neglected and are regarded as old-fashioned as soon as something newer and more luxurious comes along.

What does Seneca seem to suggest about the relationship between luxury and human contentment?

Seneca suggests that luxury does not lead to human contentment; instead, it creates a perpetual desire for more, leading to a never-ending cycle of dissatisfaction and the continual pursuit of new forms of extravagance.

What does Seneca say about the simplicity of baths in the past?

Seneca notes that in the past, baths were few in number and were not elaborately decorated. They were made for practical use rather than for pleasure, and there wasn't an expectation for the water to be constantly fresh or for the facilities to be overly pure or luxurious.

How does Seneca describe the attitudes of people from the earlier times towards the purity of bathwater?

Seneca describes that people from earlier times were not concerned with the purity of the water in baths to the extent people were in his own time. They did not mind the water not being perfectly clean, as they only needed it to wash off their dirt.

What historical figures does Seneca mention in relation to the old baths, and what were their roles?

Seneca mentions Cato, Fabius Maximus, and members of the Cornelii family, noting that in the old days, even nobles like these, serving as aediles, had duties related to the maintenance of public baths. They would ensure the baths were cleaned and the water warmed to a suitable temperature for health and utility, not the excessive heat fashionable in Seneca's time.

What is Seneca's opinion on the temperature of baths in his contemporary society?

Seneca criticizes the contemporary practice of excessively heating baths, comparing the heat to a conflagration. He implies that the temperatures are so extreme that they could be used as a method of executing a condemned criminal, highlighting the absurdity of such luxury.

How does Seneca feel about the trend of increasingly hot baths?

Seneca seems to regard the trend of increasingly hot baths with disdain. He sees it as a deviation from practicality and health, suggesting that the temperature of baths has become dangerously high, and equates the experience to being in a fire rather than a warm bath.

Why do people nowadays condemn Scipio as a ruffian?

he did not let daylight into his perspiring-room through wide windows, or because he did not roast in the strong sunlight and dawdle about until he could stew in the hot water! "Poor fool," they say, "he did not know how to live! He did not bathe in filtered water; it was often turbid, and after heavy rains almost muddy!" But it did not matter much to Scipio if he had to bathe in that way; he went there to wash off sweat, not ointment.

What does Seneca imagine people will respond to him?

hey will say: "I don't envy Scipio; that was truly an exile's life - to put up with baths like those!" Friend, if you were wiser, you would know that Scipio did not bathe every day. It is stated by those[10] who have reported to us the old-time ways of Rome that the Romans washed only their arms and legs daily - because those were the members which gathered dirt in their daily toil - and bathed all over only once a week. Here someone will retort: "Yes; pretty dirty fellows they evidently were! How they must have smelled!" But they smelled of the camp, the farm, and heroism. Now that spick-and-span bathing establishments have been devised, men are really fouler than of yore.

How does Horace describe someone who indulges in extreme luxury?

Horace describes an extremely luxurious person as a scoundrel, notorious for his luxury, by saying "Buccillus smells of perfume." This implies that the use of excessive perfume is a symbol of decadence and moral corruption.

What change in attitudes towards perfume does Seneca suggest has occurred by his time?

Seneca suggests that the use of perfume has become even more excessive in his time, to the point where people are not content with applying it once but must reapply it multiple times a day to maintain its scent, indicating a shift towards greater extravagance.

What is Seneca's view on boasting about wearing perfume?

Seneca questions the pride some people take in wearing perfume, implying that it's absurd to boast about something that isn't inherently one's own, such as a scent applied to the body.

Why might Seneca have been prompted to think pessimistically?

Seneca attributes any pessimism in his reflections to the influence of Scipio's country-house, where he has been staying. The simple and frugal lifestyle he observed there contrasted sharply with the extravagance of his contemporaries, prompting him to think pessimistically about current trends.

What lesson did Seneca learn from Aegialus at Scipio's country-house?

Seneca learned from Aegialus, the careful householder and current owner of Scipio's estate, that even old trees can be transplanted and can bear fruit after a period of unproductiveness. This metaphor serves as a lesson that it's never too late to change or adapt, even in old age.

What message does Seneca convey through the metaphor of transplanting old trees?

Seneca conveys the message of hope and renewal. He suggests that even in old age, people can start anew, like old trees that are transplanted and eventually bear fruit. It's a metaphor for personal growth and the possibility of productivity late in life.

What does the tree metaphor in Vergil's poetry represent?

In Vergil's poetry, the tree metaphor represents long-term growth and legacy. It conveys the idea that the actions we take now, like planting a tree, can provide benefits and comfort to future generations, in this case, shade for one's grandchildren.

How does Vergil's approach to writing differ from a strictly factual representation?

Vergil's approach is not to give precise agricultural instructions but rather to create a poetic image that pleases the reader. He chooses what is most fitting for the verse over what is closest to agricultural truth, aiming for aesthetic pleasure rather than educational accuracy.

What fault does Seneca find in Vergil's agricultural advice?

Seneca points out an inaccuracy in Vergil's advice on farming. Specifically, Vergil suggests sowing beans and planting clover in the spring and mentions that millet calls for yearly care, implying similar timing. Seneca observes that, in reality, beans are being harvested and millet sowed at the end of June or in July, which contradicts Vergil's suggestions

What is Seneca's observation about the planting and harvesting times for beans and millet?

Seneca observes that beans are harvested and millet is sown during late June or early July, which is a different timeframe than what Vergil describes in his poetry. This real-life observation shows the discrepancy between poetic imagery and practical agriculture.

Why does Seneca bring up this observation about planting times?

: Seneca brings up his observation to illustrate a point about the difference between poetic license and practical knowledge. He uses the example to show that while poetry like Vergil's is beautiful and pleasing, it should not always be taken as factual or relied upon for practical activities such as farming.

What is the context of the passage discussing olive-yard planting?

The passage describes two methods of transplanting olive trees as observed by Seneca during his visit to a country estate. He notes the specific techniques used to ensure the successful transplantation and growth of the trees.

How does Aegialus prepare large trees for transplantation?

Aegialus prepares large trees for transplantation by trimming the branches to about one foot in length, cutting off the roots but leaving the thick part from which they hang, smearing it with manure, and then planting it into a hole, pressing the earth around it for stability.

What is the purpose of the "packing process" in transplanting trees?

The packing process, according to Aegialus, is crucial for protecting the tree from cold and wind, preventing the trunk from shaking, and allowing the young roots to more easily take hold in the soil.

Why are the roots lopped clean before being covered up during transplantation?

The roots are lopped clean before being covered up because Aegialus believes that new roots will spring from the parts that have been cut. This promotes the growth of new, healthy roots.

What is the recommended height for the trunk to stand out of the ground, and why?

The trunk should not stand more than three or four feet out of the ground. This is to ensure a thick growth from the bottom and to prevent a large, dry, withered stump, which is common in older olive yards.

What alternative method of planting is described in the passage?

The alternative method involves setting out strong branches with soft bark, similar to cuttings from young saplings, which grow a bit more slowly but without any roughness or unsightly appearance.

How is an aged vine transplanted according to the passage?

An aged vine is transplanted by gathering together its fibres, if possible, and then covering the vine-stem generously with earth to encourage roots to develop from the stock itself.

When is it noted that vine plantings can be made, and what is their purpose?

Vine plantings can be made as late as the end of March, and their purpose is to take hold of and grow along supporting structures, such as alien elms.

What special care is suggested for "thick-stemmed" trees?

Thick-stemmed" trees should be assisted with tank-water, which helps in their growth, effectively allowing one to be their own rain-maker.

Why does the author choose not to share more agricultural precepts?

The author jests that he does not want to share more agricultural precepts to avoid training the reader to become his competitor in farming.