Ask Stoics source guide · Stoic Virtues
Human Fellowship in Stoicism
Stoicism emphasizes the interconnectedness of humanity, viewing all people as part of a single, universal community. This concept of human fellowship forms the basis for understanding our duties and responsibilities toward one another. It highlights that our individual well-being is deeply intertwined with the well-being of others, guiding us to act with justice and benevolence in all our interactions.
On this page you will get a clear explanation, a way to examine the idea, exact evidence from public-domain Stoic texts, and links for continuing the study.
The Foundation of Fellowship
Philosophy, in its pursuit of truth, reveals the divine order and the human condition. It teaches us to revere the divine and to cherish our fellow human beings, establishing a natural bond among all.
This inherent fellowship among people was once unblemished, a state of shared existence. However, the emergence of avarice disrupted this unity, leading to divisions and the concept of individual ownership.
Sources: Seneca, Moral Letters to Lucilius 90.3
Duty to Humanity
Our duties extend beyond personal gain, encompassing a broader responsibility to the human community. This includes acting justly and contributing to the common good, recognizing our shared humanity.
The Stoic perspective suggests that true philosophy guides us to love humanity. This love is not merely an emotion but a principle that informs our actions and our understanding of our place in the world.
Sources: Seneca, Moral Letters to Lucilius 90.3
Justice and Community
Justice is an integral component of human fellowship, ensuring fair treatment and equitable relations among individuals. It is a virtue that philosophy itself upholds and teaches.
The disruption of fellowship by avarice underscores the importance of justice in maintaining societal harmony. When individuals prioritize personal gain over collective well-being, the bonds of community weaken.
Sources: Seneca, Moral Letters to Lucilius 90.3
The Nature of Duty
Duty, or 'kathēkon,' is an action for which a reasonable justification can be provided. It is distinct from 'absolute duty,' which is considered inherently right and perfect.
Even in natural things, a wise person is not entirely passive. When they act, they judge their actions as duties, and because their judgment is sound, duty is classified among neutral things.
Sources: Cicero, On Duties 1.8; Cicero, On Ends 3.18
Right Action and Duty
An action is considered rightly done when it aligns with duty, such as justly restoring a deposit. The addition of 'justly' elevates a duty to a rightly performed action.
There is a distinction between merely performing an action and performing it rightly. The latter implies a moral component that transforms a simple act into a virtuous duty.
Sources: Cicero, On Ends 3.18
Virtues in Fellowship
All virtues, including religion, duty, and justice, are closely interconnected and form a unified whole. They are inseparable from philosophy's role in discovering truth.
This close-knit fellowship of virtues guides our interactions within the human community, ensuring that our actions are not only dutiful but also morally sound and beneficial to all.
Sources: Seneca, Moral Letters to Lucilius 90.3
What the primary texts say
These excerpts keep their work and exact locator so you can check the claim in context rather than accepting a detached quotation.
“fellowship. Philosophy has taught us to worship that which is divine, to love that which is human [ 2 ] ; she has told us that with the gods lies”
“And yet there is still another classification of duties: we distinguish between mean duty, so called, and absolute duty.”
“For since we see that there is something which we pronounce to have been rightly done (for that is duty when accomplished), there must also be something which is rightly begun:”
Frequently asked questions
What is the Stoic view of human fellowship?
Stoicism teaches that all humans are part of a single community, guided by philosophy to love what is human. This fellowship was once unspoiled until avarice caused divisions. Ask Stoics filters its AI guide to cited source passages and is not impersonating the historical author.
Sources: Seneca, Moral Letters to Lucilius 90.3
How does avarice relate to human fellowship?
Avarice is seen as the force that tore apart the original, unspoiled human fellowship. It led to individuals desiring all things for themselves, thereby disrupting the communal spirit and causing poverty.
Sources: Seneca, Moral Letters to Lucilius 90.3
What is the difference between 'mean duty' and 'absolute duty'?
Mean duty, or 'kathēkon,' is an action for which a sufficient reason can be given. Absolute duty, or 'katorthōma,' is what is considered inherently right and perfect, a virtuous action.
Sources: Cicero, On Duties 1.8
How do virtues support human fellowship?
Virtues like religion, duty, and justice are closely united and essential for human fellowship. Philosophy, by discovering truth, reveals these virtues and teaches us to worship the divine and love humanity.
Sources: Seneca, Moral Letters to Lucilius 90.3
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