Seneca epistle 21

What does the speaker identify as Lucilius's greatest difficulty?

The speaker identifies Lucilius's greatest difficulty as being with himself; he is his own obstacle.

What inconsistency in Lucilius's behavior does the speaker point out?

The speaker points out that Lucilius is better at recognizing the right course of action than at actually following it and lacks the courage to pursue true happiness.

What is hindering Lucilius from achieving his ideal state, according to the speaker?

According to the speaker, Lucilius is hindered by his valuation of his current life of importance and his reluctance to leave it for the ideal state he aspires to, which he mistakenly perceives as a fall into a worse condition.

How does the speaker describe the transition from Lucilius's current life to the ideal state he wishes to attain?

The speaker describes the transition as a promotion and compares it to moving from mere brightness, which is external and can be obscured, to real light, which has a source within itself and is not diminished by external factors.

What distinction does the speaker make between 'mere brightness' and 'real light'?

Mere brightness' is said to be borrowed or reflected from an external source and can be easily obstructed, while 'real light' is described as having an innate glow, originating from within and not dependent on external sources.

What does the speaker claim will make Lucilius shine and become eminent

The speaker claims that Lucilius's own studies will make him shine and render him eminent.

Whom did Epicurus write to, and what was the purpose of his writing?

Epicurus wrote to Idomeneus to encourage him to shift from a flashy life to one of sure and steadfast renown.

What promise did Epicurus make to Idomeneus regarding fame?

Epicurus promised Idomeneus that his letters would bring Idomeneus more renown than all of his current pursuits that he valued and that made him cherished.

Did Epicurus's assertion about Idomeneus and fame prove true?

Yes, it proved true; Idomeneus is remembered because of Epicurus's letters, which surpassed the temporary recognition he got from his contemporary high status and actions.

How does the speaker illustrate the power of written correspondence using historical figures?

The speaker illustrates the enduring power of written correspondence by mentioning how Cicero's letters preserved the memory of Atticus, who otherwise would have been forgotten despite his powerful family connections.

What does the speaker suggest about the fate of most people in the passage of time?

The speaker suggests that the passage of time will inevitably lead to most people being forgotten, with only a few great individuals managing to resist oblivion for a time due to their deeds or legacies.

How is the battle against oblivion described?

It is described as a struggle where a few distinguished individuals manage to stand out and maintain their legacy despite the inevitable destiny of fading into silence.

What does the speaker promise to Lucilius?

The speaker promises Lucilius that he will be favored by future generations and that he can carry with him names that will endure as long as his own.

How does Vergil's promise to two heroes relate to the speaker's promise to Lucilius?

Vergil promised to give eternal renown to two heroes in his poetry, much like the speaker promises to immortalize Lucilius and ensure his memory persists over time.

What does the speaker say about men who have gained their positions through fortune?

The speaker notes that such men find favor and are popular only as long as they maintain their positions of power. Once they lose their status, they are quickly forgotten.

How does the speaker contrast innate ability with fortune?

The speaker contrasts them by suggesting that respect for innate ability grows over time, conferring lasting honor not just on the individual but also on associated memories and legacies.

What might be inferred about the speaker's view of fame and memory?

The speaker seems to believe that true fame and a lasting memory are achieved through inherent talent and virtues, rather than through fleeting fortune or the temporary influence of others.

According to the passage, what endures in the memory of people?

According to the passage, what endures is not the temporary favor won by fortune but the lasting respect for innate ability and the honor that attaches to a person's memory.

How does the passage describe the legacy of innate ability?

The passage describes the legacy of innate ability as increasing in respect and honor, with anything associated with the individual's memory being carried on from person to person.

To whom did Epicurus address the saying about making Pythocles rich

Epicurus addressed the saying about making Pythocles rich to Idomeneus.

What was Epicurus' advice to Idomeneus about enriching Pythocles?

Epicurus advised Idomeneus that to make Pythocles rich, he should not add to Pythocles' store of money but rather subtract from his desires.

What does the speaker suggest about the application of Epicurus' statement on desires?

The speaker suggests that the principle of reducing desires rather than increasing possessions or external honors can be applied universally, not just to riches.

How does the speaker recommend we use the words of philosophers like Epicurus?

The speaker recommends treating the words of philosophers like Epicurus as public property, which can be approved, disapproved, or partially accepted like motions in the Senate.

What does the speaker say about those who follow Epicurus with a bad motive?

The speaker notes that those who resort to Epicurus hoping to find justification for their vices are mistaken and that they must live honorably regardless of the philosophical school they follow.

According to the passage, what does true richness entail?

According to the passage, true richness involves having fewer desires rather than accumulating more wealth.

What does the speaker imply about the nature of philosophy?

The speaker implies that philosophy should be open to interpretation, adaptable, and should serve to guide people towards honorable living.

How does the speaker view the concept of honor in relation to desires?

The speaker believes that honor is achieved not by accumulating titles or accolades, but by diminishing desires.

What is the speaker's stance on the longevity and a fulfilling life?

The speaker maintains that a long and fulfilling life is not about adding more years but about reducing desires to enjoy the years one has more fully.

What motto is inscribed in Epicurus' Garden?

The motto inscribed in Epicurus' Garden is: ‘Stranger, here you will do well to tarry; here our highest good is pleasure.’

How is a visitor welcomed in Epicurus' Garden according to the passage?

A visitor in Epicurus' Garden is welcomed with barley-meal and abundant water, served with hospitable words.

What does the caretaker claim about the Garden's effect on appetite?

The caretaker claims that the Garden does not whet your appetite but quenches it, suggesting that it satisfies needs without creating excess desire.

What kind of pleasure does the caretaker of Epicurus' Garden speak about?

The caretaker speaks of a natural pleasure that grows with old age, implying a contentment that comes from simplicity and the quenching of natural desires rather than indulgence.

Is there any cost mentioned for the cure that the Garden provides for thirst?

No, the cure for thirst provided in the Garden is described as demanding no fee.

What is the underlying philosophy of Epicurus' Garden as suggested by the motto and the caretaker's words?

The underlying philosophy suggests that true pleasure comes from simple living, meeting natural needs without excess, and finding contentment without material extravagance.

What does the phrase ‘does not make you more thirsty with every drink’ imply about the philosophy of pleasure in Epicurus' Garden?

The phrase implies that the philosophy of pleasure advocated in Epicurus' Garden is about fulfilling and moderating desires to achieve satisfaction, unlike indulgent pleasures that increase desire and lead to a cycle of unending appetite.

How does the caretaker's description contrast with typical notions of a hedonistic lifestyle?

The caretaker's description contrasts with typical notions of hedonism by emphasizing moderation and natural satisfaction over indulgence and the pursuit of excess pleasure.

What type of desires is being referred to that 'refuse alleviation'?

The desires being referred to are those that are insatiable or persistent, which cannot be easily satisfied or require bribes to cease.

How does the speaker suggest we treat 'exceptional desires' that can be postponed or moderated?

The speaker suggests that such desires are natural but not necessary, and any expenditure on them should be viewed as a gratuitous gift rather than an obligation.

What does the speaker imply about the nature of pleasure?

The speaker implies that pleasure is natural to our being but is not essential for our survival or well-being.

How is the belly personified in the passage?

The belly is personified as a creditor that makes demands and importunes but can be satisfied with a small amount if only what is owed is given, not everything that one can give.

What advice is given about satisfying the 'belly'?

The advice given is to provide the belly with what is owed for satisfaction — the necessary amount for sustenance — rather than all that one is capable of providing.

How does this passage reflect the philosophical approach to desires and pleasures?

This passage reflects a philosophical approach that advocates for moderation and understanding the difference between what is desired and what is needed.

What is the speaker's overall perspective on managing one's desires and pleasures?

The speaker's overall perspective is that desires and pleasures should be managed with temperance and that fulfilling basic needs should be prioritized over indulging in every desire.

What lesson can be inferred about self-control and contentment from this passage?

The lesson inferred is that self-control is key to contentment; by satisfying only necessary desires, one can maintain a state of well-being without falling prey to the ceaseless pursuit of pleasure.