Previous Stoicism

DECEIVED AND DIVIDED

“Circumstances are what deceive us—you must be discerning in them. We embrace evil before good. We desire the opposite of what we once desired. Our prayers are at war with our prayers, our plans with our plans.”

- SENECA, MORAL LETTERS

Summary:
Seneca highlights how external circumstances can mislead us, causing inner conflict and inconsistency in our desires and decisions. We often pursue things that later seem undesirable or contradict our previous choices, leading to a divided mind and a lack of clarity in our actions.

Interpretation:
In everyday life, this can be seen when people chase material success, believing it will bring happiness, only to later seek simplicity and peace. Or when someone prays for a new job but then longs for the comfort of their old routine. This quote reminds us to be more discerning, questioning whether our desires align with our true values rather than being swayed by fleeting emotions or external pressures.

 

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