Seneca, Moral Letters 14.7

Next, we must follow the old adage and avoid three things with special care: hatred, jealousy, and scorn. And wisdom alone can show you how this may be done. 

 

It is hard to observe a mean; we must be wary of letting the fear of jealousy lead us into becoming objects of scorn, lest, when we choose not to stamp others down, we let them think that they can stamp us down. 

 

The power to inspire fear has caused many men to be in fear. Let us withdraw ourselves in every way; for it is as harmful to be scorned as to be admired.

 

Instead of rushing headlong into trouble, let me consider how I can let it pass by me. There is no wisdom in going against things when I could go with them, and no courage in fighting for the sake of fighting. 

 

I cannot determine what obstacles I will face, for while my own judgments are within my power, the judgements of others are not. Nevertheless, I can most certainly do my best to discourage the wrath in others. As Seneca says, the presence of hatred, jealousy, and scorn are surefire invitations to conflict. When these rear their ugly heads, it is best to get out of the way. 

 

Prudence is never merely about the theory, about grasping the principle; it further requires the practice, an ability to exercise a truth in changing circumstances. Accordingly, doing the right thing will always involve a delicate act of estimation, where habit becomes the best teacher. Maintaining the balance can be precarious, and it is often hindsight alone that keeps me from making the same mistake twice. 

 

There are so many possible dilemmas to face, but Seneca provides a very helpful example. Imagine that you are concerned about another becoming envious of what you possess, and so you make a point of appearing humble instead of proud. 

 

Push this just a bit too far, however, and you may well find yourself looking like a weakling. Now the vicious man is no longer worried about you being better than him, and he has turned to scheming about all the ways he can take advantage of your being lesser than him. 

 

Go the other way, by putting your foot down, and now you are the one who come across as the hated tyrant. Envy on the right hand, scorn on the left hand. Is there any way out of this mess?

 

No, in the sense that the world won’t change for us. Yes, in the sense that we can adapt ourselves to the world. 

 

For the Stoic, “withdrawing” from the world does not demand isolation. Rather, it means facing these trials with the assurance that there is a place inside of you that no one else can violate, a base from which you can still reach out, but to which you can always return safe and secure. 

Written in 6/2012

IMAGE: Jacob Matham, Envy (c. 1587)