Seneca Virtues

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“Virtue is a thing that must be learned” (Seneca). One may ask how can one achieve virtue or how can one be taught to be virtuous. Once virtue is learned how will it affect one’s life. According to Seneca we can achieve virtue through study. In his work “On Liberal and vocational studies” Seneca has an issue with liberal studies. He has no respect for it because the end goal of it, for many students is to make money. Seneca advocates for a different type of study involving a deeper level of thinking and learning. In “Liberal Studies and Education” by Seneca, the path to virtue is through the study of wisdom. The effects of virtue are illustrated through the characteristics of Temperance, Kindliness, and patience. One achieves virtue when …show more content…

According to Seneca, “We ourselves encounter storms of the spirit, which toss us daily, and our depravity us into all the ills which troubled Ulysses… by example of Ulysses, how I am to love my country, my wife… even after suffering shipwreck, I am to sail towards these ends, honorable as they are” (Seneca). Seneca believes that one shouldn’t merely read the story of Ulysses and admire it for how beautifully written it is, instead one should grasp what his story is teaching and use this in life. Ulysses story shows how to handle adversity and the obstacles we face in tough times through bravery and perseverance. Seneca states, “You, sir, are teaching me how the treble and the bass are in accord with one another… though the strings produce different notes, the result is a harmony; rather bring my …show more content…

Seneca writes, “kindliness forbids you to be over-bearing towards your associates, it forbids you to be grasping” (Seneca). One who is warm- hearted has an easier time dealing with people. Kindliness allows one to treat others as one would want to be treated. Kindliness serves one greatly in a new surrounding or environment. Seneca also states “In words and deeds shows itself gentle and courteous to all men” (Seneca). Being kind through our words can help one build strong and happy relationships. Being kind through deeds shows that one is willing to help those in need and not expect anything from such deeds. Kindliness is a great virtue to have because it serves as a gateway to better human interaction and

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