How Did Odysseus Become Virtuous?

Virtuous people are morally excellent individuals with positive character traits that are influenced by external sources such as Christian principles. In the essay “On Liberal and Vocational Studies” by Seneca, the path to virtue is found within the acceptance of the principles taught through the liberal arts. Principles such as appreciation, benevolence and generosity are effects of virtue.
The path to becoming virtuous begins with accepting the basic principles gained through the liberal arts. For example, Odysseus is admired due to his strength and determination when faced with extreme adversity. The characteristics that Odysseus displayed are attributes that readers can apply to their lives and offer as counsel to others. The foundation
of virtue is similar to philosophy in the fact that one’s virtue is built “on its own soil” (Seneca 26). Seneca is implying that an individual’s foundation includes their personal understanding and development of principles taught through liberal arts. Comparable to philosophy, each person’s reception of the liberal arts is original and unique to them because of their beliefs, what they were taught and their personal experiences. However, the liberal arts does not “conduct the soul all the way to virtue, but merely sets it going in that direction” (Seneca 26). Seneca suggests that the liberal arts act as a guide along the path to virtue. Furthermore, the liberal arts is only one component which contributes to the achievement of virtue.
One contributor to achieving virtue is appreciation.
Appreciating what an individual already has prevents them from seeking to attain more. Seneca states that the mathematician “…adapts my fingers to avarice; but I should prefer him to teach me that there is no point in such calculations” (Seneca 24). Seneca reminds his readers that appreciation is not gained after adding a title, increasing wealth or acquiring land. Appreciation is gained when the individual is satisfied with what they already have. He goes further to say that “… I should rather be taught how to lay out what is enough for a man to own” (Seneca 24). As a Stoic philosopher, Seneca has seen the effects of greed, power and wealth through his interaction with nobility. Here, he suggests that it is important to be content with a sustainable lifestyle because it is pure and
incorruptible.
Similar to appreciation, benevolence is another contributor that involves being charitable to others by any means. “Kindliness forbids you to be over-bearing towards your associates, and it forbids you to be grasping” (Seneca 27). Seneca states that benevolence is exemplified through pure compassion. A benevolent individual can be described as being courteous and gentle in their interactions, conversations, and feelings toward other people. He proceeds by saying that benevolence on any scale “loves its own good… because it will some day be the good of another” (Seneca 27). Based upon Stoic principles, Seneca believes that benevolence helps to unify the people as suffering beings. It also assists in building strong connections amongst others that are beneficial to becoming virtuous.
Moreover, generosity is closely related to benevolence in the fact that the individual is humbled and chooses to serve others in any.
This zeal for serving is derived from the unity of people through charitable acts. Seneca poses the question, “What good is there for me in knowing how to parcel out a piece of land, if I know not how to share it with my brother,” (Seneca 24). Seneca uses this Christian precept to help the readers understand that there is more enjoyment and personal fulfillment in giving. He goes further to say that he seeks “to learn how to lose them all with a light heart” (Seneca 24). Seneca understands that the value of human life is far greater than that of materialistic items. This can also be related to the idea that possessions do not go to heaven, however, people do. Throughout this essay, Seneca relates the contributors of virtue to basic Christian principles similar to the one
above.
In conclusion, the path to virtue is built upon an individual’s understanding of the liberal arts’ principles. The liberal arts and other contributors such as appreciation, benevolence and generosity are essential components that help to create a more virtuous person. As Seneca says, “let all other things be driven out, and let the breast be emptied to receive virtue.” With this last thought, Seneca teaches readers that being satisfied with their possessions, doing charitable acts and giving light-heartedly are more important that seeking to serve oneself. This makes men great-souled.