“How can you wonder your travels do you no good, when you carry yourself around with you? You are saddled with the very thing that drove you away.”
Seneca, Letters From a Stoic, Letter XXVIII
The excitement or relief of a new place, job, or situation soon settles in, and what we tried to run away from shows up again. We switch cities, partners, jobs, hoping to leave our problems behind. But as Seneca reminds us, the real baggage isn’t external. It’s internal. We carry our beliefs, habits, and unresolved emotions wherever we go.
The Stoic approach to escapism: it’s not the place, it’s the person
This quote from Seneca captures a timeless truth. The Stoic approach to escapism is simple: it does not work. Not because travel, change, or new beginnings are bad, but because you can’t run away from yourself and from that which is internal.
You may leave a noisy city for a quiet retreat, or swap an unfulfilling job for one that looks better on paper. But if your discontent is born from unrealistic expectations, a restless mind, or a refusal to reflect, these new surroundings will feel the same soon enough.
Stoicism teaches us to turn inward. Not to avoid life, but to master it from within. Real peace and calm must be created and fostered within. And after we achieve this, there will be no place that can disturb us, and everywhere will give us a good life.
Practical reflections
- Self-inquiry over scenery: Ask yourself what you’re running from, not external but internal factors. Make journaling or stillness a daily habit.
- Anchor to reason, not impulse: Before making life changes, question your motives. Is this growth, or just avoidance?
- Wherever you are, there you are: Train your mind to be still, whether in a bustling city or a remote mountain town.
Embracing the Stoic approach to escapism does not mean staying stuck in a bad place. It means that true freedom comes not from escape but from examining the thoughts that chase you.
FAQ Section
What does Stoicism say about escapism?
Stoicism teaches that escaping your environment does not fix inner turmoil. The key is to change your thoughts, not your location.
Can travel be Stoic?
Yes, if done mindfully. Travel can be enriching when not used to avoid personal growth or responsibilities.
How do I stop running from my problems?
Practice self-reflection and journaling. Use reason to confront discomfort instead of seeking distractions.
Want to explore more Stoic strategies?
Book a free consultation with one of our Stoic Coaches or read more on the Seneca Quotes page. You can also listen to the Via Stoica podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts or watch it on YouTube.
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