Letters from a Stoic: Epistulae Morales Ad Lucilium

Seneca

Aug 2004 · Penguin UK

About this ebook

'It is philosophy that has the duty of protecting us ... without it no one can lead a life free of fear or worry'

For several years of his turbulent life, in which he was dogged by ill health, exile and danger, Seneca was the guiding hand of the Roman Empire. This selection of Seneca's letters shows him upholding the ideals of Stoicism - the wisdom of the self-possessed person immune to life's setbacks - while valuing friendship and courage, and criticizing the harsh treatment of slaves and the cruelties in the gladiatorial arena. The humanity and wit revealed in Seneca's interpretation of Stoicism is a moving and inspiring declaration of the dignity of the individual mind.


Selected and translated with an Introduction by Robin Campbell

Ratings and reviews

I apologize in advance. This is just another book written for a dead man. The messages appear enlightening. However, the original author had no realistic outlook for oneself or others. Discriminating against himself and fellow man. Lacking true loyalty and compassion. While the subject is relevant today, it raises the question. If death is merely the absence of pain and pleasure, we are dead once we no longer accept either. The stoic is immobilized, afraid to speak his truth. Therefore, he was reduced to write it. Reminds me of a cyber bully or an absentee "friend" who uses self justification for their distasteful actions. If you can not love correctly, do not shame others for it. If you can not apologize properly, don't act like you deserve to be forgiven. Wars have deafened our ears, and the internal war within ourselves is not one that will ever be quiet. People only lie and adapt to the conditions that are presented before them. Bet he never got a woman off, either.

Another review points out that Cicero isn't super profound, but pratical. I think that's what most of us need, just some sound practical advice. Funny, how a lot of what he writes about addresses the same problems we have today, from 2100 years ago.

good app

About the author

Lucius Annaeus Seneca (c.4BC - AD65) was born in Spain but was raised according to the traditional values of the republic of Rome. In AD48 he became tutor to the future emperor Nero and became his principal civil advisor when he took power. His death was eventually ordered by Nero in AD65, but Seneca anticipated the emperor's decree and committed suicide.

Robin Campbell is a well-known translator.