I have not enough

 

Most of us have this exercise : " I have not enough;

when i gain the desired amount,

then i shall devote myself wholly to philosophy"

Letters from a Stoic - pg. 24

Seneca says we need to flip it around :

Not acquire philosophy after the riches,

rather acquire philosophy before it;

let Philosophy not be last requisite of life says Seneca

why? You may wonder:

for if you gained wisdom, you will live simply

you will endure -even Hunger

you will attach yourself to Nature

you will live a life of voluntary poverty

"Wisdom offers wealth in ready money -

and pays it over to those in whose eyes,

wealth is superfluous"

Just as it does not matters ,

whether, you lay sick in wooden bed

or golden one, the malady will move with you-

so one need not care - if diseased mind -

bestowed upon riches or poverty

Get a man through the counsel of philosophy -

to live wise -

to live simply

Authors

Seneca