Well, well. I have chosen, in fact, a denser letter for today’s reading. The ninth epistle primarily questions how a wise person may remain content both with and without friends. This time, Seneca focuses on friendship (more deeply), gives explicit images found in day-to-day life. But I won’t peruse the whole letter and dissect every bit of philosophical data for my reflection.
I just want to mention the following lines: a Stoic approaches others for their company not because we are social creatures or because we want someone to come to our rescue in times of dire need, but because we approach companionship as we would naturally look at a verdant landscape as we drive by, enjoy the smell of spring blossoms, and listen to our favorite record. In fact, we all do so because we are human.
As a last note, Seneca says the following of lovers, drawing attention to their excesses:
… diceres furorem esse amicitiae.