We often want one thing and pray for another, not telling the
"We often want one thing and pray for another, not telling the truth even to the gods." These profound words by Lucius Annaeus Seneca, a philosopher of ancient Rome, strike at the heart of human nature. They reveal a truth about our own desires, fears, and contradictions. Seneca, in his wisdom, recognizes that as humans, we often find ourselves in a state of inner conflict—we yearn for one thing, but in our prayers, in our hopes, or in our actions, we call for something else entirely. This tension between what we truly desire and what we express in our prayers reflects a deeper dishonesty not only toward the world around us but also toward the gods, and perhaps most importantly, toward ourselves.
In the ancient world, the relationship between humans and the divine was one of intense significance. To pray to the gods was to make an offering of one’s deepest desires, hopes, and fears. Yet, as Seneca notes, there exists a disconnect—we often ask for what we think is best, not what we truly want, or we mask our true desires behind falsehoods. The ancient Greeks, for example, understood the concept of hubris—the sin of thinking one could deceive the gods. Homer’s Iliad illustrates this beautifully, with Achilles, the great hero, who, despite his profound courage and power, finds himself conflicted and confused about what he truly desires. He wishes for vengeance, but prays for peace. The very act of his prayer becomes a symbol of his inner contradiction—his desires are at odds with what he asks of the divine.
Consider also the tale of King Midas, who prayed for the ability to turn everything he touched into gold. In his greed, he did not truly understand the cost of his wish, for what he thought he wanted—the endless wealth of gold—soon turned into a curse. Midas’s story is a powerful example of how desire and prayer can be misaligned. What he thought was best for him—the golden touch—turned out to be the very thing that destroyed him. His inability to understand the deeper truth of his own desires led him to pray for something that, in the end, was not what he truly needed. The gods, in their wisdom, gave him what he asked for, but not what he truly wanted or needed. Midas, much like the rest of us, prayed for what seemed right but failed to speak the truth of his own heart.
Seneca’s words remind us that, much like Midas, we too often ask for what we think we should want rather than what is truly best for us. We may pray for wealth, for success, or for the removal of obstacles, believing these things will bring happiness or fulfillment. Yet, deep within us, we may not desire these things at all. Perhaps what we truly seek is peace, understanding, or the ability to accept our current state. To pray or hope for something out of alignment with our true desires is a form of self-deception, and in this deception, we do not just lie to the gods—we lie to ourselves.
The lesson here is profound: truth is essential in all things, including our own prayers and desires. To be honest with ourselves is to understand what we truly want—not just the superficial desires that arise from fear, pride, or greed, but the deeper truth that resides in our hearts. Seneca is urging us to step away from the falsehoods we often present, both to others and to ourselves, and to face the reality of our own hearts. When we speak the truth—when we recognize our authentic desires—we open the door to real growth and fulfillment.
In practical terms, this means taking time for deep self-reflection and honesty. When we find ourselves desiring something, we must ask ourselves why we truly want it. Do we desire fame because we wish to be seen, or because we feel a deeper need for recognition of our worth? Do we pray for success in our career because we want achievement, or because we are seeking validation from others? By understanding our true motivations, we begin to align our desires with our actions and, in doing so, move closer to the life we truly seek.
To live authentically is to understand and embrace our true desires without masking them. It means recognizing when our prayers are in conflict with our true needs and adjusting our focus. We must strive to be honest with ourselves, asking for what we truly need rather than what we think we should want. In this way, we can avoid the pitfalls of misaligned desires and live a life that reflects not only the truth we speak but the truth we live.
So let us heed Seneca’s words and embrace the power of truth in our lives. Let us pray not for the things we think we should want but for the things that align with our deepest truths—for peace, for wisdom, for understanding. Let us be brave enough to seek clarity in our hearts, so that we may speak honestly with the gods, with others, and with ourselves, living lives full of authenticity and integrity. By doing so, we honor not only our own hearts but the divine truth that flows through us all.
TNVu Tuan Nam
Seneca’s observation about not being truthful even with the gods brings up an interesting point about self-awareness. Why do we often hide our true wants, even in the most private moments? Are we afraid that the truth will be too much to handle, or is it that we are unsure of what we really want? How can we learn to be more honest with ourselves and others about our true desires?
Hhterhjnb
I find Seneca’s quote striking because it speaks to a form of self-deception. How often do we mask our true desires, even from the divine or the universe, as if we are afraid of what might happen if we ask for exactly what we want? Are we so disconnected from our deepest desires that we feel the need to hide them, even in our prayers? How does this impact our relationships with ourselves?
TTNguyen thi thanh thao
The idea that we don't even tell the truth to the gods is both humbling and troubling. It speaks to the human tendency to hide our real desires, even from those we believe have power over our lives. But why is it so difficult to be completely honest, even when there is no judgment? Could embracing our true desires, rather than hiding them, lead to a more fulfilling life?
HVhoanglong vonguyen
Seneca’s words seem to highlight a paradox in human behavior: we might not even be honest with ourselves about our desires, let alone with the gods. What does it mean for our growth and fulfillment when we avoid confronting our true wants? Could we be hindering our own progress by not being straightforward, even in our most intimate prayers or hopes?
QN11CV2-27- Nguyen Quynh Nhu
This quote resonates with the inner conflict many of us face. We often wish for one thing but ask for something else because we believe the latter might be more achievable or acceptable. But does this internal dishonesty prevent us from attaining what we truly desire? How does it affect our connection to our own truth and our ability to make real progress in life?