Seneca Epistles 70

What personal memories does the author associate with Pompeii?

The author associates Pompeii with the days of his youth, feeling as though he could still do, or had only recently done, all the things he did there when he was a young man.

How does the author describe the passage of life?

The author describes the passage of life as similar to being on a voyage where time speeds by, leaving behind different stages of life like lands and towns left astern by a ship at sea. These stages include boyhood, youth, young manhood, middle age, and finally the later years of old age.

What metaphor does the author use for death, and how does he interpret it?

The author uses the metaphor of a "general bourne of the race of man" for death, interpreting it not as a dangerous reef but as a harbour where everyone must eventually arrive. It is not something to refuse or fear but a destination that ends the journey of life.

What does the author say about reaching the 'harbour' early in life?

The author suggests that reaching this 'harbour' or death early in life should not be a cause for complaint any more than a sailor should complain about a voyage that ends quickly. Some sailors experience slow and sluggish journeys, while others have swift passages, and the same applies to the lengths of people's lives.

What philosophy does the author express about the length of life versus the manner of living?

The author expresses the philosophy that living well is more important than living long. The wise man values the quality of life over the quantity, living as long as he ought, not as long as he can.

According to the text, what factors should a wise man consider about his existence?

A wise man should consider where he is to live, with whom, how he is to conduct his existence, and what actions he is about to undertake. He is always concerned with the quality of his life.

What does the author say about the wise man's attitude toward troubling events in life?

The author states that if a wise man encounters many troubling events that disturb his peace of mind, he will set himself free, implying that he will not cling to life at the expense of his well-being. He views life pragmatically and is prepared to end it if he deems that the quality of his existence has sufficiently deteriorated.

How does the author view the difference between a natural death and a self-inflicted one?

he author suggests that to a wise man, there is no significant difference between a natural death and a self-inflicted one. What matters to him is not the manner or timing of death but whether it is the right choice under the circumstances.

What is the author's viewpoint on the fear of death?

The author argues that death should not be regarded with fear as if it were a great loss, particularly when only a small part of life remains. He believes that a person cannot lose much when there is little left to lose.

What does the author mean by "dying well" and "living ill"?

By "dying well," the author refers to making a conscious choice to escape the possibility of continuing to live in a state that is devoid of quality or peace of mind. "Living ill" refers to enduring a life filled with troubles and disturbances that undermine one's serenity and well-being. "Dying well" is thus an escape from the danger and misfortune of "living ill."

What situation is described involving the Rhodian and what is his perspective on life?

The Rhodian, mentioned as a well-known individual from Rhodes, was captured and thrown into a cage by a tyrant, where he was kept and fed like a wild animal. When advised to end his life by fasting, he responded that as long as he lives, there is hope. His perspective is that life carries the possibility of hope regardless of the circumstances.

What is the author's opinion on the value of life and the conditions under which it should be preserved?

The author believes that life is not worth preserving at any cost, especially not by succumbing to a humiliating acceptance of weakness. He contends that it's not worth achieving certain rewards if the means of attaining them involve a shameful compromise of one's principles or dignity.

How does the author contrast the power of Fortune over those who live and those who know how to die?

The author suggests that Fortune only has power over those who cling to life at any cost. In contrast, she has no power over those who understand that death can be a dignified and chosen escape from a life of degradation or shame.

What does the author say about the folly of dying from the fear of dying?

The author considers it foolish to die out of fear of death itself. He views such an act as preempting the natural or imposed course of events unnecessarily.

What is the author's stance on taking one's own life in the face of inevitable execution?

The author poses a rhetorical question that criticizes the act of committing suicide to avoid execution. He questions why one would rush to perform an act of cruelty that is someone else's responsibility, suggesting that there may be value in waiting for the executioner instead of preempting his role.

What is implied by the author's question about grudging the executioner his privilege or relieving him of his task?

: By asking if one would grudge the executioner his privilege or merely relieve him of his task, the author implies that choosing to end one's own life in the face of certain execution is unnecessary and perhaps an unwarranted intrusion into the executioner's role. This also raises the question of whether one's actions in such desperate circumstances are motivated by an attempt to control one's fate or simply to avoid the full experience of one's predicament.

What was Socrates' reasoning for waiting to die by poison rather than hastening his death by fasting?

Socrates chose to await death by poison to demonstrate his obedience to the laws and to provide a lesson of composure and principle to his friends. He wanted to show that he respected the legal process, even in the face of death, rather than appearing to scorn death yet fear the means by which it was appointed to him.

Who was Scribonia and what was her perspective on committing suicide in the face of inevitable death?

Scribonia was a woman of the old Roman virtues and the aunt of Drusus Libo. Her perspective on suicide was practical and stoic; she questioned the sense in preempting one's own death by execution, likening it to doing the work of another, presumably an executioner or an enemy.

Describe the situation of Drusus Libo and his decision regarding suicide.

Drusus Libo was a young man of noble birth with ambitions that exceeded what was deemed appropriate for his era and personal capabilities. After falling ill and being abandoned by his relatives, he contemplated whether to commit suicide or wait for death. Despite Scribonia's advice against suicide, he chose to end his life on his own terms, which the author suggests was justified since he was bound to die shortly at the hands of his enemies.

What does Scribonia's comment suggest about the nature of suicide in ancient Roman thought?

cribonia's comment reflects a certain disdain for the act of suicide as unnecessary labor, particularly when death is inevitable and imminent. It suggests a Roman stoicism where dignity and the natural order of events, including the work of one's enemies, are to be respected.

What is the implied moral distinction between Socrates' and Libo's approaches to their impending deaths?

The implied moral distinction is that Socrates' approach was to maintain philosophical and civic integrity by adhering to the laws and using his death as a final teaching moment. In contrast, Libo's approach, despite the pragmatic advice of Scribonia, was to assert control over the circumstances of his demise, thereby doing the 'work' that his enemies intended to carry out. Socrates' approach is presented as noble and educational, whereas Libo's is practical yet also a form of conceding to his enemies' intentions.

What is the central issue being debated in this passage regarding the choice of death?

The central issue debated is whether a person should preemptively choose death to avoid a more painful or torturous one that is imminent and beyond their control, or whether they should wait for it to occur naturally, despite the potential suffering involved.

What comparison does the author make to illustrate the choice in how one dies?

The author compares choosing one's manner of death to selecting a ship for a voyage or a house for residence, implying that death should be a matter of personal choice, particularly when faced with unavoidable and imminent death that may involve torture.

How does the author view the relationship between the duration of life or death and its quality?

The author suggests that a longer life does not necessarily equate to a better one, just as a prolonged death does not equate to a more dignified one. The quality of life—and by extension, the nature of death—is more important than its length.

What does the author suggest about the soul's inclination at the moment of death?

The author suggests that at the moment of death, the soul should be allowed to follow its own impulse, whether it seeks a quick end by the sword, hanging, or poison. The implication is that one's dying moments should align with personal desire and the need for liberation from impending suffering.

According to the author, whose satisfaction should be considered when it comes to one's death?

While one's life should be made acceptable to others as well as oneself, the manner of one's death should be considered solely from one's own perspective. The author believes that the individual's preference is paramount when it comes to their death.

What is the author's stance on the 'best form of death'?

The author posits that the best form of death is the one that is preferred by the individual who is facing it. The notion is that personal autonomy and choice in the face of death are of utmost importance.

What are the varied opinions of men regarding the manner of one's death, as stated in the passage?

The passage indicates that people hold different views on what constitutes a proper manner of death: some might consider a particular death not brave enough, others too rash, and some might argue for what would show more spirit. These varied opinions reflect the subjective nature of society's perceptions regarding death.

What is the author's response to concerns about how others may judge one's manner of death?

The author dismisses concerns about others' judgments, emphasizing that one's decision about death should be independent of public opinion. The priority should be to escape from the whims of Fortune as quickly as possible rather than to be concerned with the opinions of others.

How does the author view the natural end decreed by nature versus self-chosen death?

The author challenges the belief that one should only die by natural means, arguing that it restricts the path to freedom. He believes that it's beneficial that life has many exits and that waiting for a natural end may subject one to unnecessary cruelty or suffering.

What does the author suggest about the paths to death and freedom?

The author suggests that the multiplicity of exits from life is a gift from eternal law, granting individuals the freedom to choose an end other than what might be inflicted by disease or the cruelty of others.

What is the author's argument about life's ability to keep us against our will?

The author posits that life does not keep anyone against their will, implying that individuals always have the autonomy to decide whether to continue living or to choose death, and thereby no one is trapped in unhappiness unless it is by their own choice.

How does the author present humanity's situation regarding happiness and the choice to live?

The author suggests that humanity is in a favorable position because no person is unhappy except by his own fault. He emphasizes the power of choice, stating that one can continue to live if desired, or one has the freedom to depart back to the origin of life if one chooses not to live. This underscores the autonomy and self-determination in one's approach to life and death.

What analogy does the author use to describe the act of dying?

The author compares the act of dying to the act of relieving physical ailments like headaches through cupping or reducing weight by cutting veins. He suggests that just as these are minor physical interventions, so too can death be achieved simply, suggesting tranquility can be obtained with something as small as a lancet's prick.

How does the author describe the approach to freedom from the body?

The author suggests that to be free from the body's restraint, one should live as if they are ready to depart from it any moment. He encourages keeping the imminent departure in mind to strengthen courage against the necessity of leaving life.

Why does the author think people are hesitant to reflect on their mortality?

Why does the author think people are hesitant to reflect on their mortality?

What is the effect of being attached to life, as per the author's view?

The author likens the attachment to life to tenants who refuse to move out of a familiar place despite adverse conditions. This attachment makes people lazy and sluggish in contemplating their mortality and the transient nature of life.

How does the author suggest one should live in order to prepare for death?

The author suggests that one should live in their body as if they were about to leave it at any moment, always mindful of the transient nature of life. This mindset is believed to foster bravery and preparedness for the eventuality of death.

What has the author's soul been prepared for, and what has been the outcome?

The author notes that their soul has been prepared to face poverty, scorn pain, and endure the loss of loved ones. However, they remark that, perhaps superfluously, they've never actually had to endure poverty or pain because their wealth remained intact and their body stayed healthy. Similarly, they've not had to endure the loss of loved ones, as fortune has preserved them all.

What does the author imply about the day that will require us to test our training?

The author implies that the inevitable day when one will have to face death is the ultimate test of their training and preparation for adversity. This day will come for everyone, making it essential to consider and prepare for it.

How does the author challenge the notion of who has the strength to escape human servitude?

The author challenges the notion that only great men like Cato have had the strength to overcome human servitude and choose their own death. They suggest that even individuals of the lowest social standing have found the strength to escape to freedom, showing that this power is not exclusive to the historically renowned or privileged.

What do the actions of people of the 'meanest lot in life' suggest about human nature and the will to die?

The actions of people from all walks of life who have found ways to end their lives suggest that the human will to escape suffering and servitude is powerful and can drive individuals to transform even harmless objects into instruments of their own liberation. This suggests a profound human desire for agency and control over one's fate, even in death.

What unusual method did the German gladiator use to end his life?

The German gladiator used a stick of wood tipped with a sponge, which was meant for cleaning purposes, and stuffed it down his throat to block his windpipe and suffocate himself.

What is Seneca's view on being particular about the manner of dying?

eneca views being particular about the manner of dying as foolish. He suggests that the manner of one's death is less important than the liberation from what he views as the 'fairest slavery.'

What does the story of the gladiator illustrate about human determination?

he story of the gladiator illustrates that human determination to control one's fate, even in death, is strong. It shows that even when seemingly all options are cut off, a person with a strong will can find a means to end their life.

How does Seneca seem to evaluate the gladiator's death?

Seneca seems to admire the gladiator's resourcefulness and determination, suggesting that he deserved the freedom to choose his fate. He implies that the gladiator's act, while not elegant or refined, was brave and preferable to living in servitude.

What scenario is described involving a gladiator on his way to an exhibition?

The scenario described involves a gladiator who was being transported to the morning exhibition in a cart along with other prisoners. He pretended to be asleep, let his head fall into the spokes of the cart wheel, and maintained his position long enough to break his neck and die, using the motion of the wheel.

What did the gladiator use to commit suicide?

The gladiator used the spokes of the cart wheel to commit suicide.

What was the significance of the gladiator's act of suicide?

The significance of the gladiator's act was to demonstrate that even individuals who might be looked down upon or seen as the most despised class have the capacity to despise death and take control of their fate. It shows a form of resistance and a claim to autonomy even in the face of certain punishment or death.

: How does Seneca relate the actions of gladiators to the behavior expected of more renowned individuals?

Seneca uses the gladiators' actions to argue that the virtue of despising death and claiming one's autonomy is not exclusive to the renowned individuals like Catos or Scipios. He suggests that this virtue can be found just as frequently among those in lower stations of life, such as gladiators, indicating that the capacity for such virtue is universal and not limited by social status.

What does Seneca seem to imply about the possibility of imitating virtue in his mention of gladiators and historical figures?

Seneca implies that people make greater demands on themselves when they realize that even the most despised individuals are capable of virtuous acts such as despising death. This suggests that virtue is not just for the noble or the famous, but is accessible to everyone, and that individuals from all walks of life can serve as examples of virtuous behavior.

What does Seneca say about a person's ability to depart from life?

Seneca says that when a person truly desires to take their departure from life, nothing can stand in their way. Nature provides an open space for us, and when circumstances allow, one can search for an easy exit. He emphasizes that a determined individual will find a way to end their life if they so choose.

What advice does Seneca offer regarding the selection of a means to end one's life?

Seneca advises that if many options are available to end one's life, one should select and consider the best way to gain freedom. However, if options are scarce, one should take whatever opportunity arises, even if it is unusual or novel.

How does Seneca view slaves who find a way to escape their lives despite close supervision?

Seneca views slaves who manage to find a way to end their lives, despite being closely guarded, as resourceful and resolute. He holds in high regard those who not only decide to die but also succeed in finding the means to do so.

What is implied about the relationship between courage and the means to die, according to Seneca?

Seneca implies that if a person has the courage to die, they will also have the cleverness to find a way to do it. Courage and ingenuity are presented as interlinked—where there is a will to end one's life, a way will be devised.

What is the overarching message Seneca is trying to convey with these observations?

The overarching message Seneca conveys is that the power to end one's own life is a form of ultimate freedom that every individual possesses, regardless of their station in life. He promotes the idea that when faced with intolerable circumstances, a person has the right to choose death as a liberation, and that exercising this choice is an act of autonomy and personal strength.

What incident is recounted by Seneca regarding a barbarian during a sham sea-fight?

Seneca recounts that during a mock sea-battle, a barbarian participant took the spear that was supposed to be used against his enemy and instead thrust it deep into his own throat, questioning why he hadn't escaped the torture and mockery sooner by refusing to be armed and wait for death to come.

What observation does Seneca make about the barbarian's choice to die?

Seneca observes that the barbarian's choice to end his own life was a spectacle that served as a lesson to others—that dying by one's own hand can be more honorable than killing others. This act is presented as a form of control and dignity in the face of a humiliating and forced participation in violent games.

How does the barbarian's action reflect on the concept of freedom according to Seneca?

The barbarian's action reflects Seneca's concept of freedom as the ultimate exercise of personal autonomy. Despite being in a situation designed to control him and use him for entertainment, the barbarian asserts his freedom through the only means left to him—choosing the time and manner of his own death.

What does the barbarian's outcry imply about his perspective on life and death?

The barbarian's outcry implies that he sees life under such conditions of torture and mockery as not worth living. His decision to end his life is an expression of his belief that it is preferable to the indignity and suffering he is experiencing.

: What broader message might Seneca be trying to convey through the story of the barbarian?

Through the story of the barbarian, Seneca may be trying to convey a broader message about the human spirit's resistance to humiliation and subjugation. He illustrates that even when faced with the most dire circumstances, individuals can still assert their agency by choosing death over a life devoid of dignity and freedom. This act is represented not as a defeat but as a statement of strength and an affirmation of one's values.

What does Seneca suggest about the possession of a certain spirit by both dangerous men and those who train themselves through reason?

Seneca suggests that the spirit of autonomy and the resolve to face death willingly should not only be present in the abandoned and dangerous men but also in those who have prepared themselves for such eventualities through long meditation and rational thought. This preparedness allows them to meet their fate with dignity and choice.

What does Seneca mean by fate having various ways of approach but the same end?

Seneca means that fate may bring about our end in different ways, but ultimately, death is the common destination for all. The manner and time might vary, but the end—death—is inevitable for everyone.

According to Seneca, how should we choose to die if given the option?

If given the option, Seneca advises that we should choose to die in a manner that suits our preferences or taste. Essentially, he suggests that we should die on our own terms whenever possible.

What does Seneca say if one cannot die according to their taste?

If one cannot die according to their taste, Seneca advises to die according to our ability, seizing upon whatever means are available to bring about our own end. He is advocating for self-determination in the face of death, even if the means are not ideal.

: How does Seneca contrast the concepts of "living by robbery" with "dying by robbery"?

Seneca contrasts these concepts by labeling "living by robbery" as criminal, but paradoxically terms "dying by robbery"—which he metaphorically uses to describe taking control of one's own death—as noble. The "robbery" in dying refers to seizing the opportunity to end one's life rather than having it taken by the hands of fate or another's actions, thus asserting one's freedom and agency even in the final act.