Stoicism and Seneca Final Draft

Most people share their emotions with others. They act out according to how they feel. Sometimes, there are people that remain stoic, and they do not appear to show emotion. Stoicism is the belief that one controls his emotions, while confronted with hardships; the events of the death of Seneca are a perfect illustration of stoicism.

Seneca was a friend of the Roman Emperor Nero until Nero accused him of plotting against him, so Nero planned to kill Seneca (Tacitus). Seneca showed and appeared emotionless upon his knowing of his death. According to Tacitus, “upon this the tribune asserted that he saw no signs of fear, and perceived no sadness in his words or in his looks.” He stayed strong throughout the rest of his life. He knew what was going to happen and he accepted it. Seneca held back how he truly felt.

            Seneca felt able to sacrifice himself.  He was sacrificing his life as a sign for the public. He inscribed his will like he was ready to die. He even told his friends to toughen up. Seneca wanted the best for other people. A passage from Tacitus states:    

Seneca, quite unmoved, asked for tablets on which to inscribe his will, and, on the centurion's refusal, turned to his friends, protesting that as he was forbidden to requite them, he bequeathed to them the only, but still the noblest possession yet remaining to him, the pattern of his life, which, if they remembered, they would win a name for moral worth and steadfast friendship. At the same time he called them back from their tears to manly resolution, now with friendly talk, and now with the sterner language of rebuke.

Seneca was very brave; even when he did not know what was going to happen next. “Even at the last moment his eloquence failed him not; he summoned his secretaries, and dictated much to them which, as it has been published for all readers in his own words, I forbear to paraphrase,” (Tacitus). He even took charge when he discovered his painful fate. He must have controlled and held back so many feelings to be able to handle himself. He had a sense of duty.

Throughout the many hardships that Seneca faced, he definitely remained stoic during all of them. He held back the tears and anger. Many people should admire him for the stoicism that he maintained.  He had a sense of duty, and he was very brave. Seneca is a perfect example of stoicism.

Works Cited:

Tacitus. (109 ACE). The Death of Seneca, 65 CE. Retrieved from http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/ancient/tacitus-ann15a.html.