1. Cherish Your Time

In his letter On Saving Time, Seneca emphasized the importance of valuing our time. He advised Lucilius:

"Continue to act thus, my dear Lucilius — set yourself free for your own sake; gather and save your time, which until lately has been forced from you, or filched away, or has merely slipped from your hands."

Seneca prompts us to recognize that time is our most precious asset, questioning:

"What man can you show me who places any value on his time, who reckons the worth of each day, who understands that he is dying daily?"

For him, the essence of life is to seize the present moment, as the future is uncertain. He urges us to focus on today's tasks, for tomorrow is not guaranteed. Time is all we truly possess.

2. Steer Clear of Crowds

In On Crowds, Seneca cautioned Lucilius against the dangers of mingling with large groups:

"Do you ask me what you should regard as especially to be avoided? I say, crowds, for as yet you cannot trust yourself to them with safety."

He acknowledged his own vulnerabilities, admitting that he often returns from crowds altered, allowing negative influences to seep back into his character. Just as a person recovering from illness cannot safely venture outside, we too can be adversely affected by the company we keep.

3. Strive for Balance

In On the Philosopher's Mean, Seneca praised Lucilius for his dedication to self-improvement:

"I commend you and rejoice in the fact that you are persistent in your studies and that, putting all else aside, you make it each day your endeavor to become a better man."

He teaches that philosophy advocates for simplicity, not deprivation. We can lead a modest life while still enjoying the world around us, striking a balance between the wisdom of a sage and the realities of everyday life.

4. The Essence of Friendship

In On True and False Friendship, Seneca offered insights into genuine friendship. He remarked on the importance of trust, stating:

"You have sent a letter to me through the hand of a 'friend' of yours, as you call him... you do not sufficiently understand what true friendship means."

True friendship requires honesty and trust. Once established, it should be nurtured wholeheartedly, allowing for open and honest communication.

5. The Importance of Quality Reading

In On Discursiveness in Reading, Seneca warned against the pitfalls of superficial reading:

"Be careful, however, lest this reading of many authors and books of every sort may tend to make you discursive and unsteady."

He advised focusing on a select group of influential thinkers, encouraging us to digest their ideas deeply to fortify ourselves against life's challenges.

6. Defining Happiness

Seneca believed that while we all seek happiness, many of us lack clarity on what it truly entails. In On the Happy Life, he stated:

"It is every man's wish and design; and yet not one of a thousand that knows wherein that happiness consists."

He urged us to reflect on our goals and to seek guidance from those who have traversed similar paths. Ultimately, he encouraged us to pursue genuine happiness rather than what is merely popular.

In closing, Seneca's teachings provide invaluable insights for navigating life. I hope you found these lessons enlightening. For more in-depth discussions, consider exploring the Perennial Meditations series on Substack or tuning into our podcasts.