Letter 4 is the first letter I ever read by Seneca. I read it during a time of anxiety and stress, appropriately enough about my health and life. @@ -129,7 +126,21 @@ at 100 Percent." The Stoics are quick to remind us it is fruitless to concern ourselves with something outside our control, and death is no exception. Seneca is quick with examples: the highwayman or another enemy; - your slave or your king; Nature itself. + your slave or your king; Nature itself. Accepting that death is the natural + progress of life, and that it is outside our control, is paramount to living + a life free of fear.
+ +Finally, the quote at the end. Once more, I feel the quote is unrelated but + welcomed. Another suggestion towards minimalist living. Epicurus has a lot + of good advice! This quote emphasizes the importance of recognizing and + understanding what is necessary to live a good life. Both Epicurians and + Stoics promote this to be living in accordance with Nature, though the + details of what exactly that is may differ slightly. However, it's a lesson + many today have foregone, instead relying too much on externals to find + solace and reward. I like how Seneca sums it, though: "He who has made a + fair compact with poverty is rich." Replace "poverty" with life, and it + still holds. Live modestly, accept your shortcomings, and you will recognize + how well off you are.