Seneca: Love and Desire

Question 1

Where and how does Seneca define Love?

Answer 1

In his Letters on Morality, he defines love as a ‘maddened friendship’
- It is intense but should be guided by reason

Question 2

What does Seneca insist Love must be? Evidence?

Answer 2

Love must be Reciprocal

• In ‘Letters on Morality’ he says…
  ‘If you want to be loved, then love’

Question 3

How does Platos ideas on Love differ from Seneca’s reciprocal views?

Answer 3

Plato advocated for pederastic relationships, which often had unequal power dynamics

Question 4

What does Seneca say about true friendship and love?

Answer 4

They should be unconditional, with no expectation for gain but a willing to sacrifice

Question 5

Give 4 Reasons why Seneca condemns physical desire?

Answer 5

1) Lust damages the soul - ‘Lust… rips the soul apart’ in ‘Consolation to Marcia’

2) It makes us like animals - ties us to base, irrational instincts

3) Distracts us from the pursuit of virtue

4) Lust is an impulse

Question 6

Control + Resist
Name 3 ways Seneca suggests we should control our desire (pathe)?

Answer 6

1) Total Avoidance (Acknowledge innate human weakness)
2) Willpower
3) Habit ( Reflect, address, expel)

Question 7

What does Seneca say about the mind and the pathe, and where? ⛓️‍💥🚘

Answer 7

“the mind a slave to that which drives it.” - On Anger

Question 8

Control + Resist
How does Seneca demonstrate willpower and rejecting temptation in Letters on Morality?

Answer 8

He “left the day after arrival” from luxury resort Baiea after feeling tempted