XXI Flashcards
What is Lucilius’ obstacle to true happiness? [3]
Lack of courage
He is good at the theory of philosophy but not the practice
He is reluctant to say goodbye to his current mode of life, even though the philosophical life is much better
What comparison describes the “promotion” from a normal (his current) to a philosophical life? How does Seneca develop this?
Mere brightness vs a light source
Currently anyone else could stand between him and the light source and he would be covered in shadow
i.e. the only way to guarantee real brightness (representing fame and reputation) is to emanate it from within
Who was Idomeneus? [4]
A friend of Epicurus
A statesman of authority and importance
He was seeking”showy” fame before Epicurus wrote to him
He is the one to whom Epicurus addressed the letter about Pythocles
What examples does Seneca cite of how writing can immortalise people? [3]
Epicurus writing to Idomeneus - more famous than all the royals of his time
Cicero writing to Atticus - more famous than having a relative in the imperial family
Virgil writing about Nisus and Euryalus in Aeneid IX
What does Virgil say about Nisus and Euryalus?
His poem will immortalise them as long as Rome exists
What metaphor does Seneca use to describe the effects of time?
Like a flood
Some people stand with their heads above the water for a longer time, though everyone sinks into oblivion eventually
What is the difference between people of innate ability and people who have been fortunate? [4]
Fortune brings favour from many people, but leaves nothing when good fortune runs out
No one remembers people of good fortune
The respect and honour of someone of ability increases over time
Anyone affiliated with the memory of these talented people will also accrue honour
What was Epicurus’ point about Pythocles? How does Seneca expand on this?
“If you wish to make Pythocles rich, do not add to his money, but subtract from his desires”
Seneca swaps wealth for honour, pleasure and fulfilment in life
What happens in the senate that Seneca thinks one should do with philosophy?
If you agree partly with someone’s motion, get him to repeat it in parts and vote for the part you agree with
Why does Seneca repeat Epicurus’ words, even though he’s a Stoic? [2]
He agrees with some of his statements
People who misinterpret Epicurus’ philosophy as an excuse for vice should nonetheless live honourably
What Epicurean phrases does Seneca quote? [2]
Their “highest good is pleasure”
The caretaker says the philosophy will remove your desires for free, rather than satisfying them temporarily at a cost
What does Seneca say about desires such as hunger? [3]
They need to be satisfied, but only to the point of necessity, not excess
Philosophy and reason have no effect on them
They are natural desires, but not to be rewarded too much
How does Seneca create humour? [3]
He doesn’t allow Idomeneus to achieve immortality in his own letter free of charge
He personifies the belly as stubborn and incessantly demanding
He describes the belly as a creditor to which you shouldn’t give all you can give
