Greek exempla in Seneca’s De tranquillitate animi

Seneca’s On Tranquillity of Mind contains many exempla that are nested within the
Greek cultural context. Most commonly, the author presents the conduct of two famous
Greek philosophers (Socrates and Diogenes) as model behaviour for the young Stoic
Serenus during his various struggles with mental unrest. Seneca’s other Greek exempla
are not so comprehensive. By way of these stories, Seneca illustrates several life
situations that someone can find themselves in, such as coping with loss of property or
life (Zeno and Theodorus), the roles of crying and laughter in life (Heraclitus and
Democritus), the harmful influence of alcohol (Solon and Arcesilaus), the importance
of certain prerequisite personality traits for involvement in politics (Isocrates and
Ephorus), the insecurity of royal status (Croesus), and the fate of good people
(Heracles). All these exempla from On Tranquillity of Mind have an ethical-educational
character, serving as models of conduct for novice Stoics and helping them to overcome
difficulties in everyday decision-making.