seneca on emotions/stocism Flashcards
How did Seneca view anger?
It’s a useless emotion that accomplished nothing
What was the quote from Seneca about anger?
“No plague has cost the human race as much as anger”
What does the path to overcoming anger lie in?
Cultivating virtue; patience, forgivingness + self control
What did stoicism defend the right of?
Defended the right of the wise man seeking reasonable departure from life
Founder of stoicism, Zeno died by committing suicide
What were ‘things preferred’?
Life, health, beauty, strength, wealth etc
What were ‘things not preferred’?
Death, disease, ignoble birth, pain, poverty, weakness etc
What did Stoics think about natural inclination?
It was natural for humans to stay alive since we have the impulse of self preservation
What did Stoics teach about suicide?
On occasion when the timing was right, a man could commit suicide
When might a stoic wise man commit suicide?
When he’s called upon to give his life because of his obligations to others
When is the second situation a stoic wise man might commit suicide?
Involving “unduly severe pain, mutilation or incurable illness”
When did Seneca suggest suicide was viable?
Sacrifice, painful/chronic disease, old age and things that may make a virtuous life impossible
What does Seneca say about the wise man + fool regarding suicide?
The wise man would know when + how to commit suicide, the fool won’t but Seneca allows for suicide’s of both
What’s the problematic part about Seneca’s view on suicide?
His enthusiasm + he often discusses it w the context of freedom
What did Seneca say were signs of angry men?
Their appearance: menacing hair, stern face, hurried walk
How did Seneca say angry men behave?
Whole face is red w blood that boils deep in their heart, their whole body is highly strung
