Letter 62 presents a reflection on personal freedom, the value of self-mastery, and the importance of intellectual companionship over material wealth or social status. Seneca criticizes those who claim they are too busy for philosophical pursuits due to their many “affairs,” suggesting instead that true freedom comes from controlling one’s engagements rather than being controlled by them. He shares his practice of using his time for personal reflection and maintaining mental independence regardless of his physical circumstances.
Seneca begins by addressing the common excuse that busyness prevents engagement with philosophical or liberal studies: “We are deceived by those who would have us believe that a multitude of affairs blocks their pursuit of liberal studies; they make a pretence of their engagements, and multiply them, when their engagements are merely with themselves.” He asserts his own freedom and autonomy, emphasizing that he is the master of his own time and thoughts: “For I do not surrender myself to my affairs, but loan myself to them, and I do not hunt out excuses for wasting my time.”
"For I do not surrender myself to my affairs, but loan myself to them, and I do not hunt out excuses for wasting my time."
Seneca describes how he maintains his intellectual autonomy and continues his personal growth even when physically present in social settings: “When I give myself to my friends, I do not withdraw from my own company, nor do I linger with those who are associated with me through some special occasion or some case which arises from my official position.” He talks about the companionship he finds in the thoughts and writings of great men from history, transcending temporal and spatial boundaries: “But I spend my time in the company of all the best; no matter in what lands they may have lived, or in what age, I let my thoughts fly to them.”
"I spend my time in the company of all the best; no matter in what lands they may have lived, or in what age, I let my thoughts fly to them."
Specifically, he mentions his admiration for Demetrius, who embodies the Stoic ideal of despising material wealth and living a life of philosophical dignity: “Demetrius, for instance, the best of men, I take about with me, and, leaving the wearers of purple and fine linen, I talk with him, half-naked as he is, and hold him in high esteem.” Seneca concludes with a powerful statement on the path to true riches, which according to him, is achieved by despising the idea of riches themselves: “The shortest cut to riches is to despise riches.”
In Letter 62, Seneca eloquently argues for the importance of prioritizing intellectual and spiritual pursuits over temporal concerns and superficial status symbols. He champions the virtues of self-discipline, wisdom, and the company of great thinkers to cultivate a life of meaning and authenticity. Through his personal example and the lessons from figures like Demetrius, Seneca offers a compelling vision of how to live freely and thoughtfully amidst the distractions of daily life.
***** Letters from a Stoic Key Takeaways is a collection of short key takeaways from the letters sent by Seneca to Lucilius. Read each letter’s key takeways here .
