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Seneca — The Prescription For The Good Life
How to fortify yourself against misery
Life is full of challenges, stressors and problems that can frustrate even the most optimistic people. And people who find themselves in this situation often ask — how do you find meaning and happiness even when life throws you lemons? How can we lead a good life?
Throughout history, philosophers have pondered what exactly makes life good. Seneca was an ancient Roman philosopher who believed everyone could lead a good life if they focused on what mattered instead of trivialities and material things.
In other words — if we cut out all the distractions, begin living simply, practice living in the present, pursue our true north and follow our ‘real self’ instead of society’s expectations, we can all find happiness.
Seneca is known for his Stoic philosophy, an ancient framework for understanding life that involves training your mind to remain calm and happy even in difficult circumstances.
In Letters from a Stoic, Seneca beautifully explains the simple prescription for a good life, “Each day acquire something that will fortify you against poverty, against death, indeed against other misfortunes as well; and after you have run over many thoughts, select one to be thoroughly digested that day.”
