Quote from Rory in The Road Trip to Harvard
Rory: That's an interesting point, but I'm not sure I agree with you. That's because Stoicism was not about giving up things of money and luxuries and stuff. Professor: That's right. By the time he was in his early 40s Seneca had earned enough money to acquire villas, farms. He ate well. He loved expensive furniture. But he didn't consider that a non-philosophical way to live. Rory: It's all kind of relative, though. Male Student: Here we go. Rory: What? Male Student: We can't get through a class without debating relativism. Rory: I just meant that luxury to some is not necessarily luxury to others. Professor: A better subject for another time. Rory: Oh, sorry. Professor: No, your point is well-taken, but it's different than what's at hand. What we're talking about is Seneca's choosing the better more comfortable of two options while remaining a Stoic. Rory: [to the male student] Thanks, this was fun. [exits]