Seneca's Moral Letter 28: On Travel as a Cure for Discontent

Seneca the Younger was a Roman Stoic philosopher, statesman, and dramatist of the Silver Age of Latin literature. He is our greatest source on Roman Stoicism, with a large surviving collection of essays, dialogues, consolations and letters. He was especially influential on the Church Fathers and on Renaissance Humanism.

During this meetup we will read through his 28th Moral Letter to Lucillius titled On Travel as a Cure for Discontent for the purpose of uncovering the timeless psychological insights, and to consider how it might be of value to us today. I'm sure we will have a variety of opinions that make for a dynamic discussion.

In Letter 28 Seneca shits on the idea that you can solve all your problems by travelling, however he had nuanced views on travelling, which he expressed in both his letters and essays I'm sure we can also discuss.
Here are some key aspects of Seneca's perspective:

1. Broadening of Perspective: Seneca emphasized the importance of gaining a broader perspective through travel. He believed that encountering different cultures, customs, and landscapes could expand one's understanding of the world and help individuals transcend their own limited viewpoints. By observing diverse ways of life, travelers could develop empathy and tolerance for others.
2. Learning from Adversity: Seneca viewed travel as a way to confront adversity and test one's Stoic principles in real-world situations. He believed that facing discomfort, uncertainty, and even danger while traveling could serve as valuable opportunities for practicing self-mastery and maintaining inner tranquility. Seneca himself often traveled in challenging circumstances and advocated for embracing hardships as opportunities for growth.
3. Avoiding Excessive Attachment: Despite recognizing the benefits of travel, Seneca cautioned against becoming excessively attached to it or seeking it as a means of escaping one's problems. He warned against the pursuit of luxury and extravagance while traveling, advising instead a focus on simplicity and moderation. Seneca believed that true contentment and wisdom came from within, rather than from external experiences or possessions.

Overall, Seneca saw travel as a valuable means of self-discovery, learning, and spiritual growth, but he also emphasized the importance of maintaining inner balance and virtue regardless of external circumstances.

The room has a small capacity of 10 people. Please keep your RSVP up-to-date. If we have a waitlist, I as host may have to make an executive decision to prioritise those who have a better history of sticking to their intended attendance. Please appreciate that it is nothing personal, we just wish to be fair to those who we wouldn't want to miss out on a place for nothing.