COSMOS, NATURE AND DIVINITY: A STUDY OF LEADERSHIP IN CICERO AND SENECA

Abstract

This thesis explores the nature of leadership in Roman political philosophy through a full examination of the contrasting ways cosmic imagery is used by Cicero and Seneca to characterise the statesman or ruler. Against the backdrop of the late Roman Republic’s turbulence and the early Roman Empire’s autocracy, it examines how both thinkers sought to address the moral and practical challenges of governance. Cicero’s vision reflects the struggles of a collapsing Republic, imagining a leader who restores balance by aligning human laws with universal principles of justice and fostering unity in a fractured society. Seneca, writing under the constraints of imperial rule, envisions a ruler whose authority is tempered by Stoic virtues such as wisdom, clemency, and moral responsibility, offering a model of leadership suited to an era of centralised power. By analysing Cicero’s writings and speeches alongside Seneca’s philosophical works and tragedies, this thesis uncovers how each thinker grapples with the question of what makes a truly virtuous leader. Cicero’s statesman is shaped by the ideals of collective governance, striving to protect the Republic’s institutions while embodying cosmic harmony. Seneca’s ruler, on the other hand, reflects the solitary burden of imperial power, where the ruler’s personal virtue becomes a guiding force for the state. Despite their differences, both thinkers share a belief in the profound connection between leadership, justice, and the moral order of the cosmos. This study highlights how their ideas, rooted in their unique historical moments, continue to resonate with the challenges of leadership. It invites readers to consider how virtue, responsibility, and a commitment to the common good remain essential for fostering harmony and stability in any society. By comparing Cicero and Seneca, this thesis reveals not only their distinct visions but also their shared hope for leadership that transcends personal ambition to serve the greater whole.