Sarai Gomez, Fall 2018
What would Cicero claim as the cure to depression?
I argue that this state of suffering is due to a weakness of character. People who suffer
from depression exaggerate their misfortunes due to the pain these stimulate within them (Cicero
53). These circumstances force the victim “to put the blame on circumstances when what [they]
ought to be blaming is a deficiency in [their] own character” (53).
The only way of fortifying one’s character is by “regarding all the hazards and accidents
of fortune and human life as endurable. I refer to “bodily pains and ruinous accidental
misfortunes” (66) that “nature has endowed us in” (53). We cannot overcome these
circumstances because “nature can never be overcome[d],” (94) but we can develop habits that
can help us confront our troubled nature (53). Having the right disposition to perform morally
good actions is the only way in which an individual can cure his depression. And by moral good,
I refer to “the rules we must adopt for the conduct of our lives,” … “what nature has ordained as
the ultimate good and evil” (90). I quote this because “happiness (the solution to combating
depression) can only come from what is morally right” (52). “The human soul” needs
“appropriate training” in order to develop “moral goodness” (73). It needs to develop habits of
suffering endurance and “contemplat[ing] [the] power [of] nature” (90). These practices will
scare off depression and attract the only good thing, which I have said is “moral goodness” (90).
Therefore, everyone, especially those who already suffer from depression, should learn
how to confront bodily pains and misfortunes to lessen their degree of interference within their
state of mood (53). Although suffering cannot be eliminated from one’s human nature, it can be
“supplement[ed] with self-control and courage,” “self-control to liberate [oneself] from
sensuality and keep … free of immoderate cravings” and “courage as [a] defense against distress
Sarai Gomez, Fall 2018
and fear” (75). “Self-control and courage,” are the key elements to bringing happiness and
relieve oneself from depression since they are “aspects of moral goodness” (75).
In other words, there is no need of telling this personal problem to a mental health
professional since the only person that can resolve this problem is the person going through this
internal struggle: depression. The solution being the strengthening of character by following
moral good principles.
Sarai Gomez, Fall 2018
Aristotle: If you argue that depression is due to a weakness of character and that it can be cured
by doing what is morally good; you should clarify what’s a morally good action. You didn’t
elaborate on the subject, other than mentioning that “it is the only way in which an individual can
cure his depression” and that it is what “nature has ordained as the good and evil” (Cicero 90).
Cicero: I did not go deeper than that because that is exactly what it is. I go on by saying that
“moral goodness is enough by itself to create a happy life” (90).
Aristotle: I agree with your statement, but how would anyone develop moral goodness. Is it by
habituation or by some other practice?
Cicero: Being morally good is a choice a person makes with the purpose of living happily. (6364) Someone who thinks strength, health, wealth, honour or glory as goods will necessarily
suffer “gravely from external circumstances … and his body is overwhelmed and consumed by
fearful pains” (65).
Aristotle: How about “instruments, friends, wealth, and political power. It is impossible or not
easy for someone without equipment to do what is” morally good (Aristotle Bk 1. 17).
Cicero: The fact that moral goodness is sufficient to produce happiness” is a sufficient reason for
why “moral goodness is the only sort of good that there is” (62). If you want more evidence to
support my claim, you should interview a Stoic. “You would never find a Stoic going on at such
length about the question whether moral goodness is enough to ensure the happy life” (62).
Aristotle: But we’re not Stoics, we are sensitive human beings that want to know the cure of
depression and suffering in general. Wouldn’t it be easier to say that happiness is a result of
being morally good while suffering is the result of feeling an attachment to an external
circumstance or subject of value.
Sarai Gomez, Fall 2018
Cicero: Yes, the solution would be to be morally good and not being emotionally affected by
any external circumstance since no other “good” can foster happiness.