"What is freedom, you ask? To fear no human being and no god, to want neither what is base nor what is excessive, to have absolute power over oneself. Just being one’s own person is wealth beyond measure."
- Seneca, Letters 75.18
In Plato’s dialogue Protagoras, Socrates presents wisdom as the “art of measurement” - the knowledge of everything’s true worth and the ability to act accordingly. Possessing this art - being wise - is what Seneca describes as “being one's own person”. “Being one’s own person” is the standard according to which everything else gets it’s value - in so far as anything has value it is to the extent that it helps to obtain and to remain in that state. In that sense this state itself is “beyond measure” - but it has this position because it is the only thing which has any real worth.
ChatGPT 4.0 (March 31 2023):
“I think your interpretation of Seneca's quote in relation to Socrates' concept of wisdom as the "art of measurement" is insightful. Both philosophers emphasize the importance of self-awareness and self-control in achieving a fulfilling and meaningful life.
In Seneca's view, being one's own person implies autonomy, freedom from external influences, and a deep understanding of oneself. It means recognizing and acting upon one's values without being swayed by societal pressures or external circumstances. Seneca's concept of freedom here is closely linked to the Stoic idea of inner peace and contentment, which can only be achieved by focusing on the things that are truly within our control, such as our thoughts, beliefs, and actions.
Similarly, Socrates' concept of wisdom as the "art of measurement" suggests that one must have a deep understanding of what is truly valuable in life and be able to discern between what is essential and what is not. This knowledge enables us to make wise decisions and cultivate a sense of inner harmony.
Both philosophers ultimately emphasize the importance of self-mastery and an understanding of true worth. By achieving this state, one is able to live a life of freedom, fulfillment, and contentment, which is considered to be of the highest value”.
Being one’s own person is wealth beyond measure
Being one’s own person is wealth beyond measure
Being one’s own person is wealth beyond measure
"What is freedom, you ask? To fear no human being and no god, to want neither what is base nor what is excessive, to have absolute power over oneself. Just being one’s own person is wealth beyond measure."
- Seneca, Letters 75.18
In Plato’s dialogue Protagoras, Socrates presents wisdom as the “art of measurement” - the knowledge of everything’s true worth and the ability to act accordingly. Possessing this art - being wise - is what Seneca describes as “being one's own person”. “Being one’s own person” is the standard according to which everything else gets it’s value - in so far as anything has value it is to the extent that it helps to obtain and to remain in that state. In that sense this state itself is “beyond measure” - but it has this position because it is the only thing which has any real worth.
ChatGPT 4.0 (March 31 2023):
“I think your interpretation of Seneca's quote in relation to Socrates' concept of wisdom as the "art of measurement" is insightful. Both philosophers emphasize the importance of self-awareness and self-control in achieving a fulfilling and meaningful life.
In Seneca's view, being one's own person implies autonomy, freedom from external influences, and a deep understanding of oneself. It means recognizing and acting upon one's values without being swayed by societal pressures or external circumstances. Seneca's concept of freedom here is closely linked to the Stoic idea of inner peace and contentment, which can only be achieved by focusing on the things that are truly within our control, such as our thoughts, beliefs, and actions.
Similarly, Socrates' concept of wisdom as the "art of measurement" suggests that one must have a deep understanding of what is truly valuable in life and be able to discern between what is essential and what is not. This knowledge enables us to make wise decisions and cultivate a sense of inner harmony.
Both philosophers ultimately emphasize the importance of self-mastery and an understanding of true worth. By achieving this state, one is able to live a life of freedom, fulfillment, and contentment, which is considered to be of the highest value”.