Seneca's Letters from a Stoic

Lucius Annaeus Seneca

Nov 2016 · Courier Dover Publications

About this eBook

As chief advisor to the emperor Nero, Lucius Annaeus Seneca was most influential in ancient Rome as a power behind the throne. His lasting fame derives from his writings on Stoic ideology, in which philosophy is a practical form of self-improvement rather than a matter of argument or wordplay. Seneca's letters to a young friend advise action rather than reflection, addressing the issues that confront every generation: how to achieve a good life; how to avoid corruption and self-indulgence; and how to live without fear of death.
Written in an intimate, conversational style, the letters reflect the traditional Stoic focus on living in accordance with nature and accepting the world on its own terms. The philosopher emphasizes the Roman values of courage, self-control, and rationality, yet he remains remarkably modern in his tolerant and cosmopolitan attitude. Rich in epigrammatic wit, Seneca's interpretation of Stoicism constitutes a timeless and inspiring declaration of the dignity of the individual mind.

Ratings and reviews

This is an incredible insight into the mind of one of history's greatest philosophers. The method of laying out his arguments in letters makes the arguments disjointed at times, but it also makes them more easily digestible. What I mean is that one does not have to dedicate hours to see the argument from beginning to end as can be the case for other philosophers. It is a tradeoff between thoroughness of explanation and conciseness. Overall, philosophy probably needs thoroughness, but conciseness is a nice break.

A master piece of philosophy! Quotes that are valid even today! Views that are legit even these days and Seneca saw these things already more than 2000 years ago. My deepest respect!

This was a great book. Seneca is a great philosopher.

About the author

Lucius Annaeus Seneca (4 B.C–A.D. 65) was a Roman statesman, Stoic philosopher, and dramatist. He served as an advisor to Nero; upon his implication in a plot to assassinate the emperor, he was compelled to commit suicide