Previous Stoicism

PAY YOUR TAXES

“Nothing will ever befall me that I will receive with gloom or a bad disposition. I will pay my taxes gladly. Now, all the things which cause complaint or dread are like the taxes of life—things from which, my dear Lucilius, you should never hope for exemption or seek escape.”

- SENECA, MORAL LETTERS

Summary:
Seneca compares life’s hardships to taxes—inevitable obligations that should be accepted with a willing spirit rather than resentment. Just as we cannot avoid paying taxes, we must also embrace life’s difficulties with grace, understanding that they are part of the human experience.

Interpretation:
In daily life, this means adopting a mindset of acceptance rather than resistance when facing challenges. For example, ageing, setbacks, or personal losses are unavoidable, but complaining about them only adds to our suffering. By viewing difficulties as natural dues rather than burdens, we can approach them with resilience and wisdom, making the best of every situation.

 

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