Shameless, I say.

In order to understand, I'll have to give you a bit of background, and warn you Seneca haters that this is a resurrection of sorts. Ok. So the backstory is this: yesterday I decide that rather than laying on my couch, finishing the final episodes of Star Trek Voyager, I would go to the book store, and "mingle." Interestingly enough, my eyes found a fun little book entitled "On the Shortness of Life," by one Lucius Annaeus Seneca. Naturally, I gave in to temptation, and headed off to the cafe to read. Then, as I read, things got dubious and introspective, and I ended up journaling to what I'd read. That's the backdrop; now, on with the show.

Continue reading "I am shameless" »

Posted by Michael at 10:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)

There is an opera by Monteverdi, called The Coronation of Poppea. I've never seen it, but the story line goes something like this:

Continue reading "The Death of Seneca" »

Posted by Michael at 11:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

It seems here in America we have an overindulgence problem, and in particular, with the body - both to the end of enjoying food too much, or to the end of exercising too much to fit the "norm" of beauty.

Continue reading "the body has corrupted The Body" »

Posted by Michael at 3:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

I had planned to begin my foray into Seneca one more time yesterday, but sadly - and I know you all are greatly disappointed by the fact - I forgot to bring my Seneca with me, so I was unable to read it, and provide excessively witty and pithy commentary on one of the world's foremost Stoics.

But never fear, we begin today...

Continue reading "Seneca Fest Aught Five" »

Posted by Michael at 11:40 AM | Permalink | Comments (6)

Since I haven't written about Seneca in a while, I thought I ought to get back into it, especially since some kind people made the suggestion that I do so. Unfortunately, I don't have my Seneca booklet with me today, so I'm left to my own devices.

Continue reading "Senecafest" »

Posted by Michael at 2:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

We can get rid of most sins, if we have a witness who stands near us when we are likely to go wrong. The soul should have someone whom it can respect, - one by whose authority it may make even its inner shrine more hallowed. Happy is the man who can make others better, not merely when he is in their company, but even when he is in their thoughts.
-Seneca, Epistle XI

No commentary needed.

Posted by Michael at 10:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Live among men as if God beheld you; speak with God as if men were listening.
-Seneca, Epistle X

One of the things that I find particularly wonderful about the Daily Office is that we confess our sins to God daily. If we follow the pattern of Morning and Evening Prayer, we do it twice a day. In doing this, it forces you to rethink your actions, knowing that later in the day, or early the next morning you'll be confessing your little rebellion to God.

Continue reading "a confessing Christian" »

Posted by Michael at 11:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Since I work on the internet all day, I get a chance to interact with my priest, Fr. Rich, over instant messenger every now and again. Sometimes I forward him random tidbits of information, stupid movies, and lame jokes. He does the same: just yesterday he forwarded me a movie of an altar boy catching on fire: funny stuff. But then I sometimes wonder: does he work? I mean, I know he's my priest and all and the rector of All Saints, but does he actually do anything? Of course, then I get jealous, thinking how nice it would be to sit at home, read my books, work on my writing and only do the programming I want to work on. Sigh Oh, the life...

Continue reading "Fr. Fun-n-Fancy-Free?" »

Posted by Michael at 12:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

"I write this not for the many, but for you; each of us is enough of an audience for the other." Lay these words to heart, Lucilius, that you may scorn the pleasure which comes from the applause of the majority. Many men praise you; but have you any reason for being pleased with yourself, if you are a person whom the majority can understand?
-Seneca, Epistle VII, quoting Epicurus

Continue reading "celebrity" »

Posted by Michael at 9:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

"What progress, you ask, have I made? I have begun to be a friend to myself." That was indeed a great benefit. Such a person can never be alone. You may be sure that such a man is a friend to all mankind.
-Seneca, Epistle VI, quoting Hecato of Rhodes

Continue reading "On Being Alone" »

Posted by Michael at 10:15 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

"Well then, shall we act like other men? Shall there be no distinction between ourselves and the world?" Yes, a very great one; let men find that we are unlike the common herd, if they look closely. If they visit us at home, they should admire us, rather than our household appointments. He is a great man who uses earthenware dishes as if they were silver; but he is equally great who uses silver as if it were earthenware. It is the sign of an unstable mind not to be able to endure riches.
-Seneca, Epistle V

Continue reading "Wealth & Riches" »

Posted by Michael at 2:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Most men ebb and flow in wretchedness between the fear of death and the hardships of life; they are unwilling to live, and yet they do not know how to die. For this reason, make life as a whole agreeable to yourself by banishing all worry about it. No good thing renders its possessor happy, unless his mind is reconciled to the possibility of loss.
-Seneca, Epistle IV

Continue reading "Death, Loss, and Life" »

Posted by Michael at 11:00 AM | Permalink

Ponder for a long time whether you shall admit a given person to your friendship; but when you have decided to admit him, welcome him with all your heart and soul.
-Seneca, Epistle III

Continue reading "Friends, Acquaintances, and Passing Strangers" »

Posted by Michael at 10:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

'Contented poverty is an honorable estate.' Indeed, if it be contented, it is not poverty at all. It is not the man who has too little, but the man who craves more, that is poor.
-Seneca, Epistle II, quoting Epicurus

Continue reading "Contented Poverty" »

Posted by Michael at 5:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I confess frankly: my expense account balances, as you would expect from one who is free-handed but careful. I cannot boast that I waste nothing, but I can at least tell you what I am wasting, and the cause and manner of the loss; I can give you the reasons why I am a poor man."
-Seneca, Epistle 1

Continue reading "Why I am a Poor Man" »

Posted by Michael at 11:10 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Stoic Philosophy has long been a favorite of mine, and probably explains why I am also driven to the works of the Desert Fathers, and various other ascetics.

Continue reading "Why Seneca?" »

Posted by Michael at 10:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)