Of Providence

Of Providence is an essay in the form of a dialogue, written by Seneca in the last years of his life. It deals with the problem of the coexistence of divine providence and the evil in the world. The complete title of the work is "Why misfortunes strike good men, even though providence exists".

How can this fit in with the goodness associated with the providence's design? Seneca responds according to the stoic point of view. Nothing really bad can happen to the good man (the wise man), because opposites do not mix. What seems adversity is in fact a means by which man exercises his virtues. As such, the person can come out of the experience stronger than before because disasters are nothing more than challenges imposed upon men of courage, so that they may be strengthened. Thus, in perfect harmony with stoic philosophy, Seneca explains that the truly wise man will never be able to surrender in the face of misfortunes, but that as he will always undergo them and even if he falls, he will continue fighting on his knees.

Seneca does not rely exclusively on stoicism, but also on the lessons of his glorious and troubled life, in which there was no lack of difficulties. Thanks to his persuasive and poetic style Seneca renders the text interesting. It is full of figures of speech, parables and edifying and emphatic anecdotes of ancient characters. The conclusion is, in fact, that nothing bad happens to good men. It is enough to understand what bad means: bad for the sage would be having bad thoughts, committing crimes, desiring wealth or fame. Whoever behaves wisely, already has all the good possible, all the rest is indifferent.