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In this paper, I will defend the claim that people should limit their possessions to be less exposed to sudden misfortunes, made by Seneca in the dialogue On the Tranquility of Mind from the objection that sufficient property can repel any misfortune.
Explaining his views on the state of human mind and how a person can be made happy and content to the man named Serenus, Seneca states How far happier is he who is indebted to no man for anything except for what he can deprive himself of with the greatest ease! Since we, however, have not such strength of mind as this, we ought at any rate to diminish the extent of our property, in order to be less exposed to the assaults of fortune& (Seneca 262). That position does not mean that Seneca considers poverty a virtue by itself. What he actually means is that by limiting possessions to the bare minimum is beneficial to the spiritual state of a man. Without focusing on the outward appearances and pretence, one can achieve the tranquility of mind Serenus seeks. The man who limits himself thus is not exposed to the worries which huge wealth and responsibility impose. He does not need to worry about slaves, for example. The bellies of so many hungry creatures have to be filled: we must buy raiment for them, we must watch their most thievish hands& (Seneca 262) Seneca says, describing the troubles of having people who rely on you. The philosopher, as a Stoic, considers all the worldly things a burden which must be limited in order to achieve peace with oneself and the world. You do not need to seek poverty, but you also must not seek wealth, if you want to acquire the inner peace.
The obvious objection is that great wealth serves to prevent any misfortunes or troubles, thus helping us achieve peace and giving us the ability to focus on the spirituality. This objection seems extremely plausible. Every day we see people of great wealth who are free to spend their time in any way they see fit. They are seemingly untouched by the troubles of the regular people, living in huge houses with personal security guarding them, getting food from personal cooks and knowing no care in the world. Their lives are in open view for everyone to see, and as you compare their situation with your own, it seems that their wealth allows them to avoid a lot of the problems an average human has. They can work when they want and rest when they want. They can create and publish works of art without relying on their success for wellbeing. They can travel wherever to get inspiration for their works. All in all, it seems that Seneca must be wrong in his opinion, that having just enough is best for your mind and your spiritual state.
However, if you consider it carefully, the objection is much less sound than it seems at the first glance. Seneca states We never can so thoroughly defeat the vast diversity and malignity of misfortune with which we are threatened as not to feel the weight of many gusts if we offer a large spread of canvas to the wind: we must draw our affairs into a small compass, to make the darts of Fortune of no avail (Seneca 263). The philosopher wisely notes that the more we have, the more we are exposed to misfortune. While it may seem that a wealthy person is protected from the cruelties of fate by his possessions, in truth he is beset by them. Being responsible for all his vast property, he must also take care of it, protect it and nurture it, so that it does not diminish over time.
Thus, a person who tries to achieve the tranquility of mind by protecting himself with the shield of wealth has to constantly worry his mind with the necessity of protecting his position. Back in the days of Seneca, a wealthy person had to concern himself with protecting his house and his riches from criminals and rivals, as well as ensuring his possessions are spent wisely by his servants. Not a lot has changed since then. And in the modern day, the wealth of many celebrities relies on their public image as well. Not only do they have to worry about their wealth, but also have to maintain a certain outward appearance, day after day, to ensure their position in the world is stable. The outward serenity of the rich conceals a plethora of problems. And with bigger wealth come bigger problems. Thus, the view of Seneca seems justified. If one is seeking the inner peace, he must limit himself to the most basic necessities of the everyday life. Doing so helps the person be prepared for anything and severely limits the damage that misfortunes can bring him. The higher you climb, the harder you fall, as the saying goes.
Works Cited
Seneca, Annaeus L. Minor Dialogues; Together With The Dialogue On Clemency (1889). Trans. Aubrey Stewart. Whitefish, MT: Kessinger Publishing, 2010. Print.
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