In These Short Selections We Get a Glimpse of Stoic

question 7

True/False

In these short selections we get a glimpse of stoic philosophy from three of its greatest proponents-Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus, who gets the longest excerpt here. Marcus Aurelius urges that our every act should be done deliberately and attentively, following the dictates of reason and avoiding the distracting disorder of the passions. Seneca endorses suicide as a legitimate option in life because "mere living is not a good, but living well . . . [T]he wise man will live as long as he ought, not as long as he can." Epictetus distinguishes between those things in life that are up to us (intentions, desires, etc.) and those things that are not up to us (our bodies, property, reputation, etc.). If we confuse these two, we will be troubled and impeded. But if we keep them straight, we will be free of burdens, harm, and grief. "Don't seek for things to happen as you wish," he says, "but wish for things to happen as they do, and you will get on well."
-Seneca says that the wise man always reflects on the quantity of life, not its quality.

---

Definitions:

External Iliac Artery

An artery that supplies blood to the lower limbs, originating from the common iliac artery.

Femoral Artery

A major artery in the thigh that provides oxygenated blood to the lower part of the body.

Posterior Tibial Artery

A major blood vessel that supplies blood to the lower leg and foot.

Superior Vena Cava

The large vein carrying deoxygenated blood from the head, neck, and upper limbs to the heart.