One life, one work

“ […] for who is there who knows not that none of those things which are thought to be good or evil are looked upon by the wise man and by mankind in general in the same manner? He does not regard what all men think low or wretched; he does not follow the people's track, but as the stars move in a path opposite to that of the earth, so he proceeds contrary to the prejudices of all.”

Like the stars moving in the opposite direction of the sky, you can and must sometimes, go forward
   against the 
      common assumptions.

Think,
evaluate,
live,
according to a perspective that is truly yours.

It is about your own autonomy of judgment.

It is about celebrating the uniqueness of your existence and remembering that you play a unique role in the great theater of humanity, you play a unique role shaped by the distinctive intertwining of your experiences and choices; by your encounters, sometimes serendipitous, and by events that were meant for you.

This singularity
makes every existence not only valuable but also fundamental to the collective prosperity of our world. Like different pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, we each contribute something irreplaceable to the whole—creating a complete picture that is in constant motion, with each of us participating in our own unique way through
our presence
and actions.

The wise person sees the world differently than most. You’ve probably noticed this in your own life.

How often do we, as a society, chase after things that are considered “good”—money, status, recognition—and avoid what’s deemed “bad,” like failure, discomfort, or loss?
But here’s the thing: the wise person, doesn’t follow this common path. They don’t get caught up in what everyone else considers low or wretched.
Why?
Because their compass is different.

Because they have learned to distinguish between fleeting desires and lasting fulfilment.

Because they recognize that true contentment comes from within.

Because they understand that external accolades can often be hollow, leaving us feeling empty when the applause fades.

Now, think about this: why do we let society dictate what’s valuable or worthless? Is it because we truly believe in these values, or are we simply following the herd? Seneca challenges us to step outside this collective mindset. Just because everyone else is chasing something doesn’t mean it’s worth pursuing. The wise person takes a step back and questions these assumptions.

It is hard to go against the current, to resist the pull of what everyone else seems to value; but Seneca gives us a beautiful metaphor here: the stars. They move in a path opposite to that of the earth. Like them, the wise person travels a different course, one guided not by society’s ever-changing standards but by a deeper understanding of what truly matters. Imagine living in that way—free from the need for approval, detached from the fear of being different. It doesn’t mean we stop caring or become indifferent to the world, it rather means we start caring about the right things. We align ourselves with principles that are eternal, not swayed by the opinions of others.

Embrace the idea that it’s okay to be different.
Start by reflecting on your own values.
What do you truly cherish? What brings you joy that isn’t tied to external validation? Allow those inner values to serve as your guiding compass, steering you away from the superficial and toward the substantial.

Wisdom is your true self—embodying the person you are meant to be on this planet, fully embracing your unique individuality while remaining a part of society. In a world overwhelmed with messages about what we should be or what we should value, true strength and wisdom lie in the courage to question those norms and choose a higher path:
your very own path.