[One Thousand Characters a Day] Seneca, 'Comfort of the Philosopher' <5>

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Seneca encourages all of us to become philosophers who ontologically contemplate human existence. He says that those who have left us have escaped from the body, which is 'a chain and shadow binding the soul.' The moment of 'eternal rest' is when one 'leaves behind confusion and distractions to reach something pure and radiant.' The text contains 1,027 characters.

If he is alive and you grieve over something, you are betraying your fortune and showing little gratitude. This is neither very wise nor loyal behavior.

Now, instead of a definite cure, I will show you a more familiar remedy. If you ever find yourself shut up at home, then you should fear sorrow. As long as you look to your guardian, sorrow cannot approach you, and Caesar will guard everything within you. But if you distance yourself from him, sorrow will seize the opportunity to lurk when you are alone and slowly creep into your heart.

Therefore, whenever you have free time, you must always have something to immerse yourself in. At such times, repay the books you have loved unwaveringly for a long time. Claim that you are the priest and worshiper of the book.

Let Homer and Vergil, who left great works for humanity, stay by your side for a long time. Considering that they are now known to more people than when they wrote their works, you are doing a great service not only to everyone but also to them. Every moment you spend on their works will be safe.

Then, write about Caesar’s achievements with as much praise as a poet would, so that they become a source of pride for his family across all generations. He himself will provide excellent grand designs, techniques, materials, and examples.

I will not ask you to compile comedies or stories like Aesop’s fables, which Roman writers did not attempt, as you usually do well. A heart so strongly struck finds it difficult to focus on such light matters so quickly. But if you can move from serious writing to lighter writing, you will gain courage and prove that you have returned to your original self.

The seriousness dealt with in serious writings will free a person who continues to suffer and is inwardly immersed in grief from pain and distress. On the other hand, light writings, which must be handled comfortably, cannot be endured unless the mind has fully recovered its original self. So first practice with serious topics, then try entertaining ones.

- Lucius Annaeus Seneca, translated by Lee Se-woon, (Minumsa, 15,000 KRW)

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.