class essay

Stoicism is the ability ti endure pain and hardship while retaining the ability to control ones emotions; Seneca at his death was a perfect example of a stoic. He remained calm during the time while his death was impending. While other men would have been worried nuts.

 "Seneca, quite unmoved, asked for tablets on which to inscribe his will, and, on the centurion's refusal, turned to his friends," (Tacitus)this shows that he was un moved by many tragedies and that he had friends who he could rely on and who cared about him. In his time of need his friends came to his help to take the will from their stoic friend. It is hard to imagine that someone's friends could realize the importance of taking his will since they probably couldn’t sense a tone in his voice.  That is one of the downfalls and greatest advantages of being a stoic, others can not sense the fear in you.

 He also seemed like he though others didn't endure pain or hard ship also. "preferring the interest of any private citizen to his own safety, and he had no natural aptitude for flattery. No one knew this better than Nero, who had oftener experienced Seneca's free spokenness than his servility.(Tacitus)  This shows that Seneca did not "watch his mouth" as you could say . He said whatever cam to mind. He also was not there to compliment anyone, just there to speak the truth. This is one reason he was a good friend, because he would always speak the truth to his close friend Nero and give him advice.  It also seems like he cant see the happiness that flattery can bring a person.

 "Having spoken these and like words, meant, so to say, for all, he embraced his wife"(Tacitus) Although Seneca was a very strong  stoic he still showed some emotion and feelings towards his wife. Although he felt emotions he did not show the feeling of sadness or emotional pain. This could be a good and a bad thing. The good part would be that when he and his wife are fighting he does not feel the emotional pain and suffering. But this is also bad because when he is hurt emotionally he will internalize it and will not know how to deal.