Chapter 73
Why Good Leaders Need Philosophy
1.It seems to me erroneous to believe that those who have loyally dedicated themselves to philosophy are stubborn and rebellious, scorners of magistrates or kings or of those who control the administration of public affairs. For, on the contrary, no class of man is so popular with the philosopher as the ruler is; and rightly so, because rulers bestow upon no men a greater privilege than upon those who are allowed to enjoy peace and leisure. 2. Hence, those who are greatly profited, as regards their purpose of right living, by the security of the State, must needs cherish…
Public-domain chapter text, formatted for reading.
Critical Thinking Exercise
Flip Your Comparison Direction
Pick one area of your life where you feel frustrated or behind - work, finances, relationships, health. Write down three people who have 'more' than you in this area. Then flip it: write down three ways you have access to shared goods in this situation that you haven't fully recognised or used. Finally, identify one specific action you could take this week to better utilise what's already available to you.
Consider:
- •Look for things that don't get smaller when shared - knowledge, safety, relationships, opportunities
- •Consider what you have access to versus what you own outright
- •Think about how your current advantages could multiply if you used them differently
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when focusing on what others had kept you from appreciating or using what you already possessed. What did that cost you, and what would you do differently now?
Master this chapter. Complete your experience
Purchase the complete book to access all chapters and support classic literature
Available in paperback, hardcover, and e-book formats
You Might Also Like
Lessons from Letters from a Stoic
Theme-by-theme analyses that connect this book to modern life skills.
Dealing with Adversity
Pay the tax of life the way Letter 96 names it: illness, loss, and the father Seneca stayed alive for.
6 chapters·Explore AnalysisLiving According to Values
Match deed to word the way Letter 20 demands, and refuse Vatia's villa: hiding is not living.
6 chapters·Explore AnalysisEmotional Regulation
Stop paying twice for a fear that has not arrived, as Letter 13 warns, and notice when you are Harpaste asking for a brighter room.
6 chapters·Explore AnalysisManaging Time and Priorities
Take back the hour Letter 1 says you are giving away, and remember Senecio: healthy at dinner, gone by morning.
6 chapters·Explore AnalysisChoosing Friendships Wisely
Do not call a courier a friend if you will not trust him, and stay out of the noon games that send you home worse.
6 chapters·Explore AnalysisFacing Mortality with Courage
Sit with Bassus on the leaking ship, the asthma that is practice, and Senecio's unfinished plan.
6 chapters·Explore Analysis
Deep diving the literary elements.






