De otio, Chapter 3

Abstract

In chapter 3 of De otio, Seneca shows that the wise man can or even should devote himself to otium at any age. To do so, he brings together Stoic and Epicurean political doctrines around otium in a way that is both original and paradoxical, showing that otium is not only a possible choice for the Stoic philosopher, but often the only valuable choice. Far from being an idle retreat from the world, this otium is fully active and ultimately represents a higher form of political engagement. Redefined as a commune negotium, otium becomes the supreme philosophical activity, serving oneself, the others and humanity as a whole.