Open Philosophy Library
Open Philosophy LibraryOn Tranquillity Of MindLucius Annaeus Seneca

On Tranquillity Of Mind

By Lucius Annaeus Seneca

In On Tranquillity of Mind, Serenus asks Seneca how to overcome a restless wavering between simplicity and luxury, public service and retirement, modest writing and ambition. Across seventeen sections, Seneca recommends self-knowledge, proportionate work, careful companionship, limited possessions, preparation for change, alternating solitude and society, and restorative leisure.

Translator or editor
Aubrey Stewart
Publication
c. 60 CE
Genre
Stoic philosophical dialogue; moral philosophy
Era
Ancient Philosophy

About this work

On Tranquillity of Mind is Seneca's Stoic dialogue with his friend Annaeus Serenus, probably composed around 60 CE. Serenus describes a condition that is neither moral illness nor settled health: his convictions remain sound, yet luxury, ambition and conflicting ways of life continue to disturb him. Seneca defines tranquillity as a steady course of mind, neither elated nor depressed and able to remain at peace with its surroundings. This condition is not passivity. It depends upon coherent purpose, realistic knowledge of one's temperament and work suited to one's capacities. The dialogue examines public service and retirement without imposing one answer on everyone. Direct political action may be valuable when circumstances permit honourable contribution; when they do not, service can continue through teaching, writing, friendship and the formation of others. Other remedies include choosing companions carefully, limiting possessions, anticipating fortune's changes and refusing purposeless busyness. Solitude and society should correct one another rather than become absolute states. The closing discussion gives relaxation a legitimate role. Continuous strain exhausts the mind as continuous cultivation exhausts a field. Tranquillity therefore requires both discipline and humane renewal, maintained through continuing attention rather than secured once and for all.

Contents

Related Books

Back to top of page ↑