We are living just two millennia after one of history’s greatest philosophers walked the earth. This philosopher came of age in the Roman Empire, spreading a message of kindness, forgiveness, mercy, and duty. Through his life and legacy, he taught millions of people how to live, die, and better themselves while treating their neighbors with compassion. But his wisdom became controversial—a threat to the state—and he ultimately met his end at the hands of Roman centurions.
Even in his agonizing final moments, later immortalized in great works of art, he urged his followers to stay strong, live a good life, and forgive the Romans for their ignorance. In his bravery, he cemented his legacy forever.
This is the story of Jesus, celebrated worldwide today on Christmas.
It is also the story of Seneca. Remarkably, these two figures lived nearly parallel lives, with many sources suggesting they were born in the same year. While exact dates remain uncertain, it is undeniable that two of history’s most profound thinkers lived at the same time.
Even more striking are the overlaps in their teachings. This Christmas morning, it’s worth reflecting on the shared wisdom of these extraordinary lives.
On the Golden Rule:
“Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” — Jesus
“Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for a kindness.” — Seneca
On getting revenge:
“If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” — Jesus
“It is a petty and sorry person who will bite back when he is bitten.” — Seneca
On tending to one’s own garden:
“And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?” — Jesus
“You look at the pimples of others when you yourselves are covered with a mass of sores.” — Seneca
On material possessions:
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on Earth, where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal…No one can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” — Jesus
“If my wealth should melt away, it would deprive me of nothing but itself, but if yours were to depart you would be stunned and feel you were deprived of what makes you yourself. With me, wealth has a certain place; in your case it has the highest place. In short, I own my wealth, your wealth owns you.” — Seneca
On living in the present:
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” — Jesus
“Two elements must therefore be rooted out once and for all: the fear of future suffering, and the recollection of past suffering; since the latter no longer concerns me, and the former concerns me not yet.” — Seneca
The legacy, teachings, and wisdom of both figures have lived on far beyond their deaths.
This Christmas, marvel at the near-miracle of these two wise men—alive at the same time—whose suffering and teachings shaped a lasting legacy.
Choosing whose wisdom to rely on is personal, but embracing their lessons is a gift we would all do well to accept.
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