That One Should Disdain Hardships: The Teachings of a Roman Stoic

Imagine a world where every human being is born with an inner compass, a natural inclination towards goodness and virtue. This is not a fanciful idea but a profound truth rooted in the very nature of our existence. We are fashioned by nature to live nobly and free from error. Laws and moral expectations apply to all, young and old, strong and weak, without exception. This universality suggests that virtue is not something foreign that must be imposed from outside but a seed planted deep within each soul. People across time and culture instinctively claim their own goodness, a testimony to this innate spark. This natural moral sense is the foundation upon which all ethical life is built.

Consider the difference between learning a skill like music, which requires instruction and practice, and possessing virtue, which is inherent. While one may be ignorant of music without training, no one claims ignorance of goodness; everyone believes themselves to be just, temperate, and wise. This shows that virtue is not merely taught but is part of our very nature. The challenge lies not in discovering virtue but in nurturing and realizing it.

Reflect on the lawgivers who create rules that bind all citizens equally. They do not exempt children or the weak, showing that society expects virtue from all. This expectation could only stand if virtue is accessible to everyone by birth. Such a universal moral law is evidence of the innate goodness in human nature. This insight invites us to trust in our capacity for virtue and to cultivate it diligently, knowing it is our birthright.

As we embark on this journey of Stoic wisdom, remember that the path to a good life begins with recognizing the virtue within. The next step is to understand how education shapes and refines this natural goodness, especially in a world that often underestimates the potential of many, including women and children.