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
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
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