Section 1.1: The Importance of Consistency

As he approached the end of his life, the philosopher Seneca penned a collection of 124 letters, now referred to as Letters from a Stoic. These letters cover a myriad of topics that remain pertinent even after two millennia.

In one such letter addressing consistency, Seneca conveyed to his friend Lucilius that:

> "Philosophy instructs us to take action rather than merely speak. Each individual should adhere to the standards they have established; their way of living must align with their words, and their actions should reflect a unified purpose. This alignment is the essence of wisdom and its strongest testament."

How aligned are your actions with your spoken commitments? Do you have a defined set of principles guiding your life? A recurring theme in Seneca's correspondence is the call for clarity: “Adopt a singular rule to live by and ensure your entire life adheres to it.”

Section 1.2: Embracing Uncertainty

Seneca noted that without a consistent aim or direction, individuals often find themselves flitting from one plan to another, leading to feelings of restlessness and dissatisfaction. While he advocated for having clear goals, he also warned that “the greatest obstacle to living is expectancy, which relies on tomorrow, wasting today.” The future is inherently uncertain; thus, we must prioritize living in the present.

In his essay On the Shortness of Life, Seneca articulated:

> “It is not that we have a brief time to live, but we squander much of it. Life is ample and has been generously allotted for achieving great things, provided it is wisely invested. However, when life is wasted on trivial pursuits, death approaches, and we realize that the life we failed to appreciate has slipped away.”

How do you envision your life? If time is your most valuable asset, how will you choose to utilize it? A significant aspect of living an examined life involves understanding the type of life you truly wish to lead.

The poet Carl Sandburg eloquently stated, “Time is the coin of your life. It is the only currency you possess, and only you can decide how it will be spent. Be cautious not to allow others to dictate its use.”

This video, Partially Examined Life #132: Living Stoically with Seneca and Massimo Pigliucci, discusses how Seneca's teachings can guide modern life, especially in navigating uncertainty and striving for consistency.

Section 1.3: The Role of Introspection

James Miller, in Examined Lives: From Socrates to Nietzsche, highlights the influence of Quintus Sextius on Seneca’s philosophy. Seneca admired Sextius as a paragon of virtue and adopted his practice of daily self-reflection. Seneca explained:

> “Sextius had a custom: at the end of each day, he would pose questions to his soul: What negative habit have you overcome today? Which faults have you resisted? In what ways are you improved?”

Seneca believed that this form of introspection leads to a peaceful night's sleep: “How serene and undisturbed is the rest of a soul that has either praised or reprimanded itself.” He emphasized that philosophy should be both contemplative and active, with every experience offering a potential lesson in wisdom.

> “I will continually monitor my actions, a habit of great value, and review each day.” — Seneca

Recognizing that falling short is a natural part of the examined life, Seneca openly acknowledged his struggles. Although he espoused virtues and articulated how a wise individual ought to live, he confessed he was not Socrates, whose life perfectly mirrored his philosophy.

Miller invites us to see Seneca as a genuine philosopher, someone striving for wisdom yet aware of his own imperfections. As Seneca wisely stated, “As long as you live, never cease learning how to live.”

Thank you for joining me in this reflection. I hope you found valuable insights to apply in your own life.

The second video, The Examined Life: Know Thyself #1 | WIRELESS PHILOSOPHY, encourages viewers to engage in self-discovery and introspection, essential components of a meaningful life.