Seneca and the Moon: The cultural importance of our satellite

Scientists answered the famous Leopardian questions ["Tell me, silent Moon, what are you doing in the sky, silent Moon?''] since ancient times. Among them, Seneca (4 B.C.-65 A.C.) answered: the presence of the Moon in the sky makes us good (by making the corn grow, etc.). Just like the whole Univers e, it is a part of the world that is the best of possible ones. And so, the movements of the Moon are regulated as a perfect machine. Therefore, the eclipses are not predictions of disasters - despite a supers tition that is still alive nowadays. Moreover, the Moon is perfect, like al l planets, and so it provides a wonderful, charming sight. But we look at i t only when something strange happens, so Seneca says we are quite wrong. H e suggests to study the Moon every day, when it is performing its duty in o rder to help us feeling good. It is useless watching it when there is somet hing wrong about it. These events do not change our way of life. From this point of view, the Asian shepherd of Leopardi's poem would agree with Seneca: The contemplation of the sky is a sublime way to become relaxe d and quiet. But no scientist would answer his question, because it concern s the aim of this planet, not the thing itself. In this case, also in 21st century, we need Seneca's philosophy, or faith in God, or, like Leopardi, i llusion.