I read mostly for my leisure. Maybe my years of reading have blunted me instead of sharpening my mind, and frankly, I’m disappointed that my reading has not really changed me the way that I wanted books to. I’m not anymore inspired than when I have a good conversation, or when I watch a movie, or when I encounter an act of kindness. But in my early years reading, I read for the sake of betterment and for a while I’ve forgotten that.
Seneca came at a right time when I am deep in my personal mire, and I forget that I am my own warden. I have always loved reading the stoics, and it’s a shame that their mentality is not more imprinted in my every day actions. Reading for pleasure in many ways, is futile. But I have found pleasure in Seneca and I have crossed my fear of taking actions when I was reading him.
“You are only as unhappy as you convince yourself to be.” This metaphysical thought had almost became a mantra over the last few weeks, and I’ve found myself calmer. I do admit that I have an issue in managing my anger. The easiest things frustrate me with no reason, and I carry my rage too far for no use. Cruelty, after all, is borne from weakness. The reasons for my rage is often the incapability of taking action.
I hope more people read Seneca and the stoics. I sincerely believe that they make you better people. Self help books come cheap by the dozen, and hopefully they do help. But to me, I seek no further self-help books than the stoics. I am reminded of the principles that I held to staunchly for a long time and that I have often forgotten.
Read this with a ready pen. Underline his words and come back to them when you finish. And later, revisit.
