Seneca's Interpretation Of Virtue

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“Most powerful is he who has himself in his power.” (Seneca) Virtue can be interpreted in distinct ways depending on the speaker and their story. Seneca the Eldar and Mary Wollstonecraft both illustrated their interpretation of virtue in “On Liberal and Vocational Studies,” and “A Vindication of the Rights of Men” through heart felt and powerful letters. They both described it as essentially having integrity and morality. In “Liberal Studies and Education” by Seneca, knowledge and action leads the path towards being a virtuous person. Seneca aims toward challenging the definition of education and associating virtue with wisdom. The effect of becoming a person full of virtue are illustrated through the characteristics of kindliness, temperance …show more content…

Seneca Illustrates this through various essential examples found throughout On Liberal and Vocations Studies. When speaking of the musician, Seneca asks, “what good is there for me in knowing how to parcel out a piece of land if I know not how to share it with my brother?” This quote reminds the reader of the importance of giving back to the community or society rather than being petty with the belongings. Seneca emphasizes that rather than being selfish with belongings and bragging, society should share with each other like the brothers and sisters we were intended to be. “There is one thing that brings the soul to perfection – the unalterable knowledge of good and evil.” Seneca understands that true knowledge is hard to obtain because it’s not being taught. However, when one’s soul is in harmony or when one learns how to keep from uttering doleful notes, knowledge will be instilled deep within one’s heart. Seneca continued to show how virtue is caused by stating, “it counts no evil as another solely.” It’s important to understand that knowledge is power. When one knows that something is wrong, turning the other way makes the person observing just as bad. As a society, there must be a sense of protection and community, looking out for each

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