In history, the concept of #selfreliance developed in parallel to the concept of #individuality . In the absence of autonomy, we cannot speak of self-reliance. In the absence of personal assets, there is no room for deploying them effectively. The Stoics, Zeno, Cleanthes, Chrysippus, and #seneca , were the first philosophers to underline the importance of individual serenity and self-reliance. #plato (427-347 BC) and #aristotle (384-322 BC) had not given much thought to this matter because they regarded the city (“polis”) as a necessity. In contrast to Plato and Aristotle, Seneca considered wealth, success, prosperity, social harmony, friendship and popularity as optional. Those factors can enrich our experience, Seneca noted, but do not determine our #happiness . In the 91st Letter to Lucilius, Seneca explained the crucial importance of self-reliance. If we make our happiness depend on other people’s actions, argued Seneca, #disappointments are inevitable. Self-reliance consists of taking our happiness in our own hands, so that we grow invulnerable to disruptions. Even if justice and #fairness generally prevail, we are bound to be deceived or short-changed in some cases. Why? Because, some people will make innocent mistakes, or take advantage of the situation, or simply refuse to play according to the rules. Like no other philosopher, Seneca had grasped that a certain measure of social friction and unfairness are unavoidable. It is in our interest to accept this fact and protect us accordingly. All plans for self-reliance will fail if we don’t internalise why they are necessary and urgent. In the 91st Letter to Lucilius, Seneca refers to the fortuitous destruction of Lyon by fire as an event that put the self-reliance of its inhabitants to the test. Lyon’s devastation occurred when Seneca was already sixty-seven years old and spending most of his time in his villa near Naples. Here is the link to the original article: https://johnvespasian.com/senecas-thoughts-on-self-reliance/