Drzewa w "Listach moralnych" Seneki Filozofa
Trees in the "Moral Epistles" of Seneca the Philosopher

Summary/Abstract: Seneca the Younger in his Moral Epistles appears as a Stoic philosopher, giving his friend, Lucilius, many practical tips. He illustrates these with various examples from life and the world around it, and also refers to trees. He equates Stoic wisdom to a forest or fruiting tree, the forest helps him reflect on God. The philosopher explains that trees as beings having prototypes and as bodily creatures, but without spirit or reason, and therefore of real good. In some statements, Seneca criticises the contemporaneous love for luxury – he praises the people of the golden age, who were content with what nature gave them, lived in trees, and made clothes out of trees. However, wooden walls and ceilings covered with marble and gold do not bring people happiness. The trees also show him how much time has passed and the falling leaves remind him of the inevitability of death. Dealing with agriculture can be important in old age, give pleasure, and be useful.

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