---
title: 'Letter 5: On the Philosopher’s Mean'
created: 2026-08-06
modified: 2026-08-06
authors: Seneca
category: Letter
---

> Inwardly, we ought to be different in all respects, but our exterior should conform to society. [^1]

> Philosophy calls for plain living, but not for penance; and we may perfectly well be plain and neat at the same time.

> I find in the writings of our Hecato that the limiting of desires helps also to cure fears:
>
> “Cease to hope,” he says, “and you will cease to fear.”

[^1]: _[“Behaving like a human—however imperfectly—and fully embrace the pursuit that you’ve embarked on. And not to think of philosophy as your instructor, but as the sponge and egg white that relieve ophthalmia—as a soothing ointment, a warm lotion. Not showing off your obedience to the logos, but resting in it. Remember: philosophy requires only what your nature already demands.” — Marcus Aurelius](https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/12037899-not-to-think-of-philosophy-as-your-instructor-but-as)_