Stoicism

When something happens either good or bad, feelings are naturally produced in the process. Now the problem is what should be done with those feelings? Should a person act on their emotions? Or should they instead hide their feelings? Stoicism is the belief that when confronted with hardships that one has to control his or her emotions; the events surrounding the death of Seneca are a perfect illustration of stoicism in action.

Seneca deeply believed in the philosophy of stoicism. “Upon this the tribune asserted that he saw no signs of fear, and perceived no sadness in his words or in his looks. (Tactius, 1998)” This description of Seneca was said from a tribune, who was an official elected by the plebeians to protect their rights, after the tribune asked Seneca if he was considering suicide. From this, Seneca shows how good he was at controlling his emotions both in the way he held himself and how others perceived him as. He clearly is not easily affected by what happening around him or what others think of him. By this unclaimed amount of emotion, Seneca is the perfect role model for stoicism.  

Later when Seneca’s beloved wife found out about his death order, she insisted to die with him. He replied, “There upon Seneca, not to thwart her noble ambition, from an affection too which would not leave behind him for insult one whom he dearly loved, replied: ‘I have shown you ways of smoothing life; you prefer the glory of dying. I will not grudge you such a noble example. Let the fortitude of so courageous an end be alike in both of us, but let there be more in your decease to win fame. (Tactius, 1998)” In the philosophy of stoicism, there is also the belief that no matter what happens, the task must be completed. In this circumstance, the goal was to die in glory. Seneca’s wife was willing to give up her own life, the ultimate sacrifice, in result of reaching her aspirations. Because of this Seneca, himself, respected her decision. The death of Seneca proves to be the perfect example of the philosophy of stoicism in many different events such as this one.

“So he had directed in a codicil of his will, when even in the height of his wealth and power he was thinking of his life's close. (Tactius, 1998)” This not only shows how driven Seneca was, but also how he did not let his emotions effect his actions. He did not care about the wealth or power but only to die in glory. His ambitions were his only priority in life, regardless of his current surroundings or feelings. Seneca, himself, strongly believed in and lived his life by the philosophy of stoicism.         

Bibliography

Tactius. (1998). The Death of Seneca. Retrieved April 4, 2011, from Ancient History Sourcebook: http://www.fordham.edu/HALSALL/ancient/tacitus-ann15a.html

Practice Rough Draft

When something happens either good or bad, feelings are naturally produces. Now the problem is what should be done about those feelings? Should a person act on their emotions? Or instead should they hide their feelings? Stoicism is the belief that when confronted with hardships that one has to control his or her emotions; the events surrounding the death of Seneca are a perfect illustration of stoicism in action. Stoicism is the belief that when confronted with hardships that one has to control his or her emotions; the events surrounding the death of Seneca are the complete opposite view on the philosophy of stoicism.

Seneca obviously believed in the philosophy of stoicism. “Upon this the tribune asserted that he saw no signs of fear, and perceived no sadness in his words or in his looks. (Tactius, 1998)” This description of Seneca was said from a tribune, who was an official elected by the plebeians to protect their rights, after the tribune asked Seneca if he was considering suicide. From this, Seneca shows how good he was at controlling his emotions both in the way he held himself and how others perceived him as. He clearly is not easily affected by what happening around him or what others think of him. By this unclaimed amount of emotion, Seneca is the perfect role model for stoicism.          

Later when Seneca’s beloved wife found out about his death order, she insisted to die with him. He replied, “There upon Seneca, not to thwart her noble ambition, from an affection too which would not leave behind him for insult one whom he dearly loved, replied: ‘I have shown you ways of smoothing life; you prefer the glory of dying. I will not grudge you such a noble example. Let the fortitude of so courageous an end be alike in both of us, but let there be more in your decease to win fame. (Tactius, 1998)” In the philosophy of stoicism, there is also the belief that no matter what happens, the task must be completed. In this circumstance, the goal was to die in glory. Seneca’s wife was willing to give up her own life, the ultimate sacrifice, in result of reaching her aspirations. Because of this Seneca, himself, respected her decision. The death of Seneca proves to be the perfect example of the philosophy of stoicism in many different events such as this one.

“So he had directed in a codicil of his will, when even in the height of his wealth and power he was thinking of his life's close. (Tactius, 1998)” This not only shows how driven Seneca was, but also how he did not let his emotions effect his actions. He did not care about the wealth or power but only to die in glory. His ambitions were his only priority in life, regardless of his current surroundings or feelings. Seneca, himself, deeply believed in and lived his life by the philosophy of stoicism.  

11 Point Critique

News Flash: Starting tomorrow, April 7th, we will stop doing dailies. Instead, we will be concentrating on the weekly essays. This week's rough draft we are finishing in class. From then on, every Wednesday you will have a rough draft due for Peer review (you'll receive participation credit: P/F for having the draft ready). On your rough draft, please underline the thesis statement and in a different color prove it is an opinion by writing the opposite side; underline one quote properly cited with in-text citations for each body paragraph; make bold your four-sentence analysis of each quote; analysis should explain how the quote serves to support your thesis. After peer review, a final draft will be due on Fri by Midnight.

1. 5 paragraphs -- 5 to 7 sentences per paragraph.

2. Clear, coherent thesis statement expressing an opinion to be argued in the paper.
3. One quote or piece of source able evidence properly cited in APA format per body paragraph / proper in-text citation format (author, date). APA format bibliography at end of paper. Use top-notch sources (BBC, Met Museum, Nat Geo, Internet History Sourcebook, school-library based databases, etc.)

4. Four sentences per body paragraph analysis. This is your own analysis demonstrating how the evidence supports your thesis.

5. Solid conclusion demonstrating the validity of the argument.
6. Emphasis: Put strongest evidence in the fourth paragraph.

7. No 1st or 2nd person personal pronouns (I, we, us, me, my, myself, you, etc.)

8. Academic Tone: No slang, no contractions, make it coherent and readable.
9. Avoid generalizations -- give specific information; I'm not looking for you to write an "encyclopedia" article. I'm looking for
10. your ability to construct an academic argument.

11. Avoid unnecessary information: "more" quotes doesn't mean a "better" paper.

12. Original and honest writing voice and a creative and remarkable take on the subject.

Who was Augustine of Hippo?

             Augustine of Hippo was born on November thirteen, three hundred fifty four. More commonly he is known as Augustine, St. Augustine, St. Austin, St. Augoustinos, Blessed Augustine, or St. Augustine the Blessed. He was a bishop of Hippo Regius, but he was also a philosopher and a theologian. Augustine spoke Latin and lived in the Roman African Province. Then in the summer of three hundred eighty six, he converted to Christianity. After that, he gave up his career in rhetoric, quit his teaching position at Milan, and stopped thinking about any ideas of marriage. Instead, he spent the rest of his life devoted to God. He wrote over hundred different works in Latin. Some of the things he wrote about were the events that took place in his early life, his faith such as why God gave us free will, and some other earlier works that he wrote at the end of his life close to death. His writing was very inspiring to fellow Christians and was influential towards Western Christianity. When Augustine was sick in bed, a man came to him. He said that in a dream he was told to come to Augustine to ask him to make one of his relatives whole again. Augustine laid his own hands on the man’s sick relative. Then by the time they both left, the sick relative was cured. On August twenty eight, four hundred thirty Augustine died from his previous illness. He is now a pre-eminent Doctor of the Church and a patron of the Augustinian religious orders. Also he became the patron saint of brewers, printers, theologians, sore eyes, and many cities and dioceses.       

Read Tacitus' description of the Death of Seneca and Book One of M. Aurelius' Meditations. Find quotes within those two texts that help explain what Stoicism is all about.

The Death of Seneca
“Upon this the tribune asserted that he saw no signs of fear, and perceived no sadness in his words or in his looks.”

“Seneca, quite unmoved, asked for tablets on which to inscribe his will, and, on the centurion's refusal, turned to his friends, protesting that as he was forbidden to requite them, he bequeathed to them the only, but still the noblest possession yet remaining to him, the pattern of his life, which, if they remembered, they would win a name for moral worth and steadfast friendship.”

“There upon Seneca, not to thwart her noble ambition, from an affection too which would not leave behind him for insult one whom he dearly loved, replied: ‘I have shown you ways of smoothing life; you prefer the glory of dying. I will not grudge you such a noble example. Let the fortitude of so courageous an end be alike in both of us, but let there be more in your decease to win fame.’”

“Seneca, as his aged frame, attenuated by frugal diet, allowed the blood to escape but slowly, severed also the veins of his legs and knees.”

“So he had directed in a codicil of his will, when even in the height of his wealth and power he was thinking of his life's close.”

Meditations

“From my grandfather Verus I learned good morals and the government of my temper.”

“…and with respect to those who have offended me by words, or done me wrong, to be easily disposed to be pacified and reconciled, as soon as they have shown a readiness to be reconciled; and to read carefully, and not to be satisfied with a superficial understanding of a book; nor hastily to give my assent to those who talk overmuch…”

“From Apollonius I learned freedom of will and undeviating steadiness of purpose; and to look to nothing else, not even for a moment, except to reason; and to be always the same, in sharp pains, on the occasion of the loss of a child, and in long illness; and to see clearly in a living example that the same man can be both most resolute and yielding, and not peevish in giving his instruction; and to have had before my eyes a man who clearly considered his experience and his skill in expounding philosophical principles as the smallest of his merits…”

“…and to tolerate ignorant persons, and those who form opinions without consideration: he had the power of readily accommodating himself to all, so that intercourse with him was more agreeable than any flattery; and at the same time he was most highly venerated by those who associated with him: and he had the faculty both of discovering and ordering, in an intelligent and methodical way, the principles necessary for life; and he never showed anger or any other passion, but was entirely free from passion, and also most affectionate; and he could express approbation without noisy display, and he possessed much knowledge without ostentation.”

“In my father I observed mildness of temper, and unchangeable resolution in the things which he had determined after due deliberation; and no vainglory in those things which men call honours…”

“From Maximus I learned self-government, and not to be led aside by anything; and cheerfulness in all circumstances, as well as in illness; and a just admixture in the moral character of sweetness and dignity, and to do what was set before me without complaining.”

“I observed too his habit of careful inquiry in all matters of deliberation, and his persistency, and that he never stopped his investigation through being satisfied with appearances which first present themselves…”

“…but he showed sobriety in all things and firmness, and never any mean thoughts or action, nor love of novelty.”

Were the Julio Claudians really as bad as they seem?

             The Julio Claudian dynasty refers to the first five emperors who ruled in the Roman Empire. These rulers consisted of Augustus, Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, and Nero. They held their reign in the time of the second half of the first century, ending when Nero took his own life. Both ancient historical writers did not write about any of the five emperors in a positive way, instead making them out as unsuccessful and even a bit crazy. Augustus kept on remarrying his only daughter, Julia, so he could possess an heir to the thrown after he died. Tiberius was next who was officially adopted by Emperor Augustus. Tiberius was known for his extreme cruelty, breaking a young boy’s legs when he complained. Then there was Caligula who became the first actual “Julio Claudian” emperor, belonging to both ancestries. Not only that however, he was also a direct descendent of Augustus Caesar. But even with his powerful dynasty, Caligula was still a little insane. To ensure his right to the throne, he killed his own cousin Tiberius Gemellus. Caligula also found amusement in death, money, and sexual intercourse. Following Caligula was Claudius who was Caligula’s uncle. Claudius was found hidden behind a curtain when told he was the new ruler of the Roman Emperor. His great nephew, Nero, was next in line to the throne when Claudius died from poison. Nero also being another direct descendant from Augustus Caesar, executed his own mother then framed it as a suicide. It was also said that he sang and dressed up in costume when the Roman Empire erupted into flames, destroying three out of the fourteen Roman districts and severely damaging seven more. These first five emperors of the Roman Empire were all too eager to commit murder if to only guarantee their own rule to the throne. They only cared about the power instead of the greater good of the Roman Empire. These rulers were not extraordinary instead they were ordinary at the most.          

Do you think Caesar's killers were justified in their actions?

            On March 15, 44 before the Common Era, Julius Caesar was supposed to attend a senate meeting. This was the perfect opportunity for the conspirators or as they would like to be called “Liberators” to assassinate Caesar. Since he would be by himself because only senators could attend such a meeting, they decided this was the time. When he got there he was presented with a petition to recall his exiled brother. The other senators then crowded around him, trying to give their own consent. When Cimber grabbed Caesar’s shoulders and pulled down his tunic. Casca then brought forward a dagger and attempted to stab Caesar in the next. Quickly, Caesar turned around and caught Casca’s arm. Casca then shouted for help, creating commotion from all the other senators. Caesar then tried to escape but could not see from all the blood. The rest of the senators ran after him and then stabbed him to death. According to historians, sixty or more men participated in the assassination of Julius Caesar. He got stabbed twenty three times, but only one was considered to be lethal which was the second one to his chest. The reason for his assassination as far as I can tell, is basically because the other senators didn’t want Caesar to possess the power of dictatorship anymore over the Roman Empire. They didn’t want him to have access to anymore more power than he already did. And as a solution they decided to plan an assassination. Now was this right? No, I do not personally think so. Just because you do not like someone ruling over your town, city, or country does not mean that you have the right to go and murder them. I don’t think anyone no matter what circumstance has any right to take another human being’s life away from them. That just isn’t fair.        

Why do many historians consider Hadrian to have been the "best emperor"?

            Publius Aelius Hadrianus or also known as Hadrian ruled as emperor in Rome from one hundred seventeen to one hundred thirty eight. Many historians consider Hadrian to be the “best” emperor in the time of the Roman Empire. And in there justification, Hadrian did accomplish many great achievements in his lifetime. He is best known for constructing Hadrian’s Wall, which was built for defensive purposes for Rome’s northern land. In addition he also built the Pantheon and the Temple of Venus and Roma. During his reign, Hadrian traveled through almost every province that was located in the Roman Empire. He also has a great reputation as a military commander even though during his rule there were no significant military conflicts that occurred. However, Hadrian was not only intellectual in the knowledge of ruling the Roman empire or in the field military strategy. He was also very intelligent academically too especially anything involving art. Another one of his interests was architecture, poetry, and hunting. Compared to many of the other Roman emperors that came before and after him, Hadrian was one of the more successful. I don’t know about the “best” but he definitely made one of the biggest impacts on Roman empire. For starters, he was sane. He was not found hidden behind a curtain when told he was empire. His nose did not run whenever he became excited. He did not push his enemies off cliffs to have them met their death head first, literally. Or he did not sit on his balcony playing an instrument while watching the Roman Empire erupt in flames. All of these emperors were at the very least a little crazy. Sure they might have made some great accomplishments, but were they really good leaders? Hadrian was.