Most animals are not aware of their mortality, but we humans have the ability to explore and conquer our fear. By entering the vast ocean of death and exploring the thought of our own mortality, we can free ourselves and find inspiration.
What new information could there have possibly been for Seneca, in 62 AD, when he finally broke with Nero? Nero had been deranged for years (as detailed in James Romm’s excellent book Dying Every Day). He had been blood thirsty for years, unfit for leadership since almost the beginning. Seneca knew better from the beginning–the man was a philosopher and historian and could not have been deceived for long.
We can sit here and judge. We can shake our heads in bafflement. But we really shouldn’t.
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And in todays Daily Stoic video excerpt, Ryan shares some of his favorite Stoic lessons passed on by his mentor, Robert Greene. You can watch the full video at youtube.com/watch?v=uhKrwkTp8as.
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