The Stoic Philosophy of Seneca: Essays and Letters

by Seneca, Moses Hadas (Translator)

In The Stoic Philosophy of Seneca, representative selections from Seneca's writings offer the reader an excellent introduction to the range of his work.


The selections are drawn from the essays, or dialogues, and the "Consolations;" from the treatises, of which "On Clemency," addressed to the young Nero, is included here; and from the Letters to Lucilius, which have to do not only with philosophical subjects but also with Seneca's personal experiences, such as journeys and visits.


Moses Hadas has selected letters and essays which reveal Seneca's major philosophical themes—the relationship of the individual to society and to the gods; the meaning of pain and misfortune; man's attitudes to change, time, and death; and the nature of the highest good and of the happy life. In his Introduction, Professor Hadas discusses Seneca's life and work, tracing the history of his reputation; comments on Seneca's style; and outlines the origins and tenets of Stoicism.

De Providentia, De Brevitate Vitæ, De Tranquillitate Animi, Ad Helviam matrem De consolatione, De Clementia, Epistulae morales ad Lucilium (selection))

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction, Classics, Essays, Literature, History, Self Help

261 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 65

About the author

Lucius Annaeus Seneca (often known simply as Seneca or Seneca the Younger); ca. 4 BC – 65 AD) was a Roman Stoic philosopher, statesman, and dramatist of the Silver Age of Latin literature. He was tutor and later advisor to emperor Nero, who later forced him to commit suicide for alleged complicity in the Pisonian conspiracy to have him assassinated.

Reviews

[Murtaza · Rating 4 out of 5]

In an enervated age I've wondered why people do not go back to their traditions for wisdom and guidance on how to navigate life. Seneca the Younger was a Roman statesman and philosopher, one of the lights of the Stoic school of thought, who had advice every bit as relevant today on how to live as it was two thousand years ago. Despite the changes wrought by the time the human condition, of growth, decay, suffering, gain and ultimate mortality, is exactly as it was then. As such, what Seneca has to say is both relevant and necessary today. Although he lived before Christianity you can tell that Seneca was a believer in the One God, which may explain why few choose to look upon his works for guidance. All our experiences, good and ill, ultimately emanate from a source that is training us for the next stage of our existence, whether in corporeal existence or afterwards. Once you comprehend this, as Seneca did without even holy texts or formal religions to guide him, your life will be on sounder footing.

A Stoic does not bewail fortune but accepts and even embraces it. "Let them be harassed by toil and sorrow and loss, so that they can acquire true strength." It is not that we should necessarily seek out hardships, but hardships are an inevitable part of existence and we must have a healthy and accepting attitude to them. Just as an ethical person thinks often of her ultimate fate, death, we must also psychologically prepare for the inevitabilities of existing as a human in time. Since few reflect regularly on death few truly make use of their time, the most precious finite resource that they have. Many reach senescence with the minds of children and the physical wounds of age. It is only amount of our lives that we live consciously and with an eye to the ultimate, usually quite little for most people, that causes our spirits to grow. Chasing after perishing things makes us lose sight of those that are lasting.

Seneca articulated all this beautifully, though I've heard it before from others in later centuries. He also seemed to be a decent man despite his hypocrisies and had a message on social inequality that you could call egalitarian for his time. From reading his letters it became clear to me how much of Stoic and Roman/Greek philosophy in general carried over into Islam, through the route of neo-Platonism. Any reader of Ibn Arabi or the other Islamic Sufis would be able to recognize Seneca as a distant influence and even a fellow traveler. The one major difference between these beliefs and the major monotheisms is the acceptance of suicide by the Stoics, in the case where existence is deemed no longer worth the trouble. While they believed that life was inviolable in its own way they did not hold that the soul is harmed by such an act. This collection is strongest in its opening essays but is worthwhile throughout.

[JS Found · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was going to just list the quotes from this book, but I have thirteen three by five pages of notes which are really all the lines of wisdom from all the essays and letters in this book. They are valuable. They say that life is not judged by externals--by what you have or don't have, by what you do or don't do, by what happens to you or what doesn't happen to, by fortune or fate--but by you yourself and your clear, free mind--a mind that practices the high and sole and perfect good of reason, a mind that does not hope because he knows that he will suffer but cares not, because all men suffer but that is not a mark of a life. All men die so why fear death? The Stoic mind will be prepared for anything and everything, will not tie his happiness to what happens to him, will not tie it to any circumstance befallen him, will not get swept away by the winds of emotion, but will be tranquil at all times. A man will lead a long life not because he lives long but because he lives well--and living well means recognizing that all he cherishes in life is temporary and subject to change, and that he is not dependent on that to live well.

A philosophical life is the only life. Do not fall under the sway of ambition, appetite, lust, money, property. All these things are trappings one does not need. Be austere and self-controlled. Be prudent, wise, reasonable, thinking, temperate, magnanimous, laughing. Laugh at the foibles of life. Laugh in its face. Laugh at the human race Count your evils insignificant for they do not truly affect you, your core, your mind, your soul. Live simply, according to nature and to your own nature, become attuned with it for nature is only good. It leads towards the good. In loss, do not grieve inordinately. Do not grieve excessively. Always be learning, always be turning to philosophy which leads to wisdom. In philosophy, you belong to all of mankind. Love and welcome old age. Become accustomed to poverty so that when it hits you, you will not be shocked. Live according to your nature. God is with you and in you.

[Ken · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice mix of letters (more informal, enjoyable) and essays. Among the essays, "On the Shortness of Life" stands out. It's a favorite topic for both reading and writing. Thus, in the hands of a writer like Seneca, worthy.

"On Clemency" is ironic in that it was addressed to the new 18-year-old emperor, Nero. Poor Seneca was counseling a Marcus Aurelius-style rule. I have no idea if Nero followed the advice for a few weeks, months, or years, but I do know it ended badly and that Nero was not the most forgiving of Roman leaders.

Seneca praises the simple life, philosophy (of course), and some degree of equality among men (as seen in his letter about slaves, who should not be treated, he says, like slaves). He also believes the soul continues on after the death of the body. Sweet.

Moses Hadas provides an easy to read translation, not stiff or awkward at all. This, then, is a good sampler of Seneca, if you're looking for one.

[Michael Canoeist · Rating 1 out of 5]

Couldn't read much of this one after learning from the introduction what a vast disparity existed between Seneca's words and his deeds. His "philosophy" seems to me nothing more than a fraud, given how oppositely he lived his life. Of what I did read, the letter "On The Shortness of Life" was the most striking. Seneca spoke of how much of our limited time alive we fritter away in worthless pursuits, as though we had an infinite amount to our lifespans; and especially how much of our time we allow others to take from us -- as with a lawyer consumed by clients clamoring for his time, or as one wastes his days trying to curry favor with those higher up the social or professional ladder. "If such men wish to know how short their life is, let them think how small a fraction of it is their own." Very good advice, even if he did conclude that only philosophers truly appreciate and make good use of their time on earth.

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A highly readable collection of Seneca's thoughts on subjects ranging from slavery (treat your slaves like human beings, treat them as you would like to be treated) to balding vanity (Seneca describes his impatience with men who combed hair from one side of the head to the other to hide their balding pates). Who knew that the "comb-over" had such a long history?

[Missy · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite reads from Hum. 110. I picked up a copy of it last time I was at Powell's, as my freshman year copy has gone AWOL; can't wait to read it again.

[Bob Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my all time favorites. Along with Marcus Aurelius "Meditations" and Epictetus' "The Enchiridion" they are worth looking into and read at least once. I can pick up any one of these three books and dip in anywhere and damn if the Stoics didn't know what they were talking about. They were an influence on early Christianity of all things. (See Everett Ferguson's "Backgrounds of Early Christianity" --not 100% read yet, but it looks interesting. Also highly recommended for a terrific explanation of Stoic influence on modern life see "A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy" By William B Irvine. And a gut-churner: "Courage Under Fire: Testing Epictetus's Doctrines in a Laboratory of Human Behavior" By James B. Stockdale. (The lab was the Hanoi Hilton from 1965 until the early 70s.) Looking to buy a new copy because this one has pages falling out and it is worth owning. In my opinion

[Preetam Chatterjee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amusing, delicious, delightful, entertaining, fun, gratifying, likable, pleasant, pleasurable, satisfying, agreeable, delectable, genial, preferable,
relishable and welcome.

But pathetic too!!

Pitiful, pitiable, piteous, stirring, affecting, heartbreaking, heart-rending, sad, wretched, mournful, woeful, lamentable, despicable, insubstantial, unsatisfactory and worthless.

[SJ L · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s refreshing to read the Stoics. Their perspective on life is interesting and in many ways admirable. Don’t complain, appreciate what you have, build your character through study yet also through friendship, choose a good career, serve. It’s inspiring and I can see how some existentialists borrowed elements from this philosophy. However, it’s a bit reactionary this lifestyle and it neglects the emotions. If you have achieved the perfect stoic mindset, the death of a loved one wouldn’t move you to tears. I understand trying to downplay negative emotions and not living your life as captive to them, but there is an element of the emotions that I think gives life more meaning and deserves more attention that the stoics give to it. Either way, it’s interesting, very cool quotes to extract and a bit inspiring.

Quotes:
How much of your life has been pilfered by others without your being aware of it, how much of it you have lost, how much was dispensed on groundless regret, foolish gladness, greedy desire, polite society – and then realize that your death will be premature….Are you not ashamed to reserve for yourself only the tail end of your life and to allot to serious thought only such time as cannot be applied to business? How late an hour to begin to live when you must depart from life! 51
It takes a great man, believe me, and one who rises high above human frailty, to allow none of his time to be frittered away; such a man’s life is very long because he devotes every available minute of it to himself. 55
Everything future is uncertain; live now! 58
Raise above the crowd…leave the ground, won’t you, and turn your mind to these things! 72
It is harder for men to obtain release from themselves than from the law. 73
Have faith in yourself and believe that you are traveling the right road and not being led astray by the zigzag tracks of hurrying wayfarers, many of whom go astray at the very roadside. 79
Subjoin those who are immutable not by excess of constancy but of indolence; they live not as they choose but as they have begun. The malady has countless symptoms but its effect is uniform – dissatisfaction with self. This arises from an imbalance of the mind. 80
The best course, as Athenodorus says, is to be employed in some active career, in political activity and civic functions…for when a man’s declared object is to make himself useful to his fellow citizens and to all mankind, he will exercise and improve his abilities by participating fully in demanding activities, serving both public and private interests as best he can…even in private life a large mind has ample scope for development. Man is not like lions and other creatures whose energies are restricted by being caged; man’s greatest achievements are carried out in private. 83
Whenever chance impediments or the political situation make our active career impossible, far the best course is to season your leisure with activity; for never can all pursuits be so blocked off that there is no room left for honorable action. 86
We must learn to strengthen self-restraint, curb luxury, temper ambition, moderate anger, view poverty calmly, cultivate frugality. 91
We are all chained to Fortune. Some chains are golden and loose, some tight and of base metal; but what difference does it make…All life is bondage. Man must therefore habituate himself to his condition, complain of it as little as possible, and grasp whatever good lies within his reach. No situation is so harsh that a dispassionate mind cannot find some consolation in it. 93
We ought to take the lighter view of things and cultivate tolerance; it is more civilized to laugh at life than to lament over it. 102
It is important to withdraw into one’s self…But the two ought to be combined and alternated, some solitude, some society. 104

[Wilfredo R. Dotti · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is one of my favorites, as a reader interested in stoicism, I think this book and this author is one of the essentials, along with Mussonius Rufus, Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius, who despite their different styles and circumstances manage to illustrate the domain and control of events, things and passions that disturb life, using courage and reason of personal character through examples drawn from their personal experiences. The most important thing of this book is that the exposed philosophical precepts are within reach of the common reader, Seneca makes it simple.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Regardless of the bleak rigor that Stoic philosophy itself often embraces, Seneca's essays and letters are engaging and thought-provoking. His training in rhetoric is evident, and he is a master of pithy, quotable lines. Historical context makes essays such as "On Clemency"--written from Seneca the tutor and adviser to an 18-year-old Nero--even more interesting. Moses Hadas has made wise selections and offers very readable translations.

[Ryan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Almost uniformly repetitive, formulaic, and dull -- a hard and tiresome slog. Never approaches the concision, directness, or power found in Epictetus or Marcus Aurelius; read them instead. If you're recommending stoic philosophy to a friend, keep this book as far from him as possible.

[Yuriy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a good collection of Seneca's writing with a good introduction. "On Clemency", though it may be interesting historically, could be skipped because it is fairly repetitive and not as relevant as the Letters.

[Rob McLean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Philosophy is often out of the reach of the common reader, it's too complex and convoluted. But Seneca brings the highest philosophic precepts down to where they are accessible to the common man. A must read.

[Daniil Lanovyi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stoic philosophy at its unachievable best.

[Diana Coza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether it's a pragmatic or metaphysical question that's been nagging me, I open this book and Seneca always seem to have an answer no matter the chapter. It's my every day bedtime book.

[Ostap Bender · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seneca lived from 4 BC to 65 AD and continued the philosophy of stoicism that had been founded in 3rd century Greece. In his time, the epicureans were analogous to today’s atheists or agnostics, and the stoics like the religious, so it was with a wry smile that I read the title of the first chapter in this text: “On Providence – Why Any Misfortune Befall Good Men When a Providence Exists”, for from Job to the present day it’s been the eternal question, that is provided a Providence exists. Among the arguments Seneca presents are that god indeed does not allow evil to happen to good men, he keeps evil away, in the form of “sin and crime and wicked thoughts and greedy schemes and blind lust and avarice which covets another’s property. The good man himself, god protects and defends; should anyone expect that god will look after the good man’s baggage also?” When I think of violent crime, rape, and genocide – bad things happening to good people – this argument seems extremely weak.

And this is true of several of his other pronouncements throughout the book, such as determining that “the only people really at leisure are those who take time for philosophy”, that travel is simply a result of self-dissatisfaction when in reality man cannot flee from himself, and that the earth was “more fertile when it was not worked”.

It’s also easy to find hypocrisy in Seneca. While he professes disinterest in success and the trappings of the world, the fact is he amassed a huge fortune through the practice of usury in addition to being a lawyer. He also apparently groveled and pled for restoration to Rome when Claudius’s third wife Messalina had him banished to Corsica in 41. (He was later recalled to Rome and served as tutor and advisor to Nero, which turned out to be his downfall, for he was forced to commit suicide for his involvement in a conspiracy to assassinate Nero that he was unlikely to have been involved in.)

However with all that said, a man should be considered in the context of the times he lived, and there are nuggets of wisdom in these essays and letters, which touch upon a number of subjects. Taking the position that misfortunate should be bravely borne, that the external trappings in life were less important than one’s serenity which came from within, and that death was not something to be feared all demonstrated enlightened thinking. If you are interested in reading stoic philosophy, I would recommend The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius (who lived later, from 121-180) instead, but this book is also of interest, and not overly dense as some other philosophy texts tend to get.

Quotes:
On accepting fate:
“We are all chained to Fortune. Some chains are golden and loose, some tight and of base metal; but what difference does it make? All of us are in custody, the binders as well as the bound – unless you suppose the left end of the chain is lighter. Some are chained by office, some by wealth; some are weighed down by high birth, some by low; some are subject to another’s tyranny, some to their own; some are confined to one spot by banishment, some by a priesthood. All life is bondage. Man must therefore habituate himself to his condition, complain of it as little as possible, and grasp whatever good lies within his reach.”

On death:
“What is death? Either end or transition. I do not fear ceasing to be, for it is the same as not having begun to be; nor am I afraid of transition, for no alternative state can be so limiting.”

On humanity advancing over the generations:
“Shall I not walk in the steps of my predecessors? I shall indeed use the old path, but if I find a shorter and easier way I shall make a new path. The men who made the old paths are not our suzerains but out pioneers. Truth is open to all; it has not been pre-empted. Much of it is left for future generations. Farewell.”

On originality, wow, strong, challenging words:
“That is why we give boys apothegms, what the Greeks call chriai, to learn by heart, because the childish mind, which cannot comprehend more, is able to grasp them. But for a man advanced in study to hunt such gems is disgraceful; he is using a handful of clichés for a prop and leaning on his memory; by now he should stand on his own feet. He should be producing bons mots, not remembering them. It is disgraceful for an old man or one in sight of old age to be wise by book. ‘Zeno said this.’ What do you say? ‘This Cleanthes said.’ What do you say? How long will you be a subaltern? Take command and say things which will be handed down to posterity. Produce something of your own.”

On pardoning criminals:
“I know there are some who hold that clemency is a prop for villains, since it has room only after crime and is the sole virtue which has no function among innocent men. … Still, pardon should not be general, for if the distinction between bad men and good is abolished, chaos will follow and an eruption of vice. We must therefore apply a moderation capable of distinguishing the curable from the hopeless. … We must keep measure, but since it is difficult to maintain the exact proportion, any departure from the balance should weigh on the kindlier scale.”

On respecting the less fortunate:
“Remember, if you please, that the man you call slave sprang from the same seed, enjoys the same daylight, breathes like you, lives like you, dies like you. You can as easily conceive him a free man as he can conceive you a slave. …. Treat your inferior as you would wish your superior to treat you.”

[Eliza Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

"BESITZLOSIGKEIT IST EIN VIEL LEICHTERER SCHMERZ, ALS BESITZVERLUST"

"Leichter ist es etwas nicht zu erwerben als es zu verlieren; daher die freudigere Stimmung derer, denen das Glück niemals gelächelt hat, als derer, denen es den Rücken wendet."


"Wie viel glücklicher ist doch der, welcher niemandem etwas schuldet außer dem, dem er am leichtesten eine abschlägige Antwort erteilen kann, nämlich ich selbst!"


"Das beste Vermögensmaß ist das, welches einerseits nicht etwa schon als Armut zu gelten hat, andererseits doch auch nicht allzu weit von der Armut entfernt ist."


"In keiner Lebenslage wird dir an Aufmunterungen, Erholungen und Aufheiterungen fehlen, wenn du es über dich gewinnst, das Schlimme lieber für erträglich zu halten, als es dir verhasst zu machen."


"Das ganze Leben ist im Grunde nichts anderes als Knechtschaft."


"Begegnen wir den Schwierigkeiten mit kühlem Verstande: auch das Harte kann erweicht und das Enge erweitert und die Last minder drückend gemacht werden, WENN MAN SICH NUR AUF DIE KUNST DES TRAGENS VERSTEHT."


"Gar oft nämlich ist die Angst vor dem Tode die Ursache des Todes."


"In der Regel führt es zu einer trübseligen Stimmung, wenn entweder der Erfolg überhaupt fehlt oder man sich des Erfolges nur zu schämen hat."


"Man muss sich alles leichter machen und fügsam ertragen; es steht dem Menschen besser an, das Leben zu belachen, als es zu beweinen."


"Mit fremden Leid sich abzuquälen ist ewiges Unheil, und an fremden Unglück seine Freude zu haben, ist ein Vrgnügen, da mit Menschengüte nichts zu tun hat."


"Sie alle haben den kurzen Schmerz eines Augenblickes nicht gescheut, um dadurch in die Ewigkeit einzugehen, und haben sich durch ihren Tod unsterblich gemacht."


"Nur der stark erregte Geist vermag etwas überragend Großes auszusprechen."


"Um zu erkennen was uns zum Lebensglück verhelfen kann, dazu fehlt uns der richtige Blick."




"Bereit das Schicksals gaben zu nutzen, nicht aber, um sich zu ihrem Sklaven zu machen."


"Wilde Rohheit hat ihren Ursprung immer nur in der Schwäche."


"Der nämliche Tag, an dem er die Lust zu seinem Gebieter macht, macht auch den Schmerz zu seinem Herrn."


"Glücklich ist nur, wer im Besitze gesunden Urteils ist; glücklich ist nur, wer mit seiner Lage, welcher Art sie auch sein mag, zufrieden ist und in Eintracht mit seinen Verhältnissen lebt; glücklich ist nur der, dessen ganze Lebenslange sich der Billigung der Vernunft erfreut."


"Was uns selbst betrifft, das sehen wir immer mit parteiischen Auge an, und Voreingenommenheit schadet immer dem Urteil."

"Viele hätten zur Weisheit gelangen können, wenn sie nicht geglaubt hätten, sie hätten sie schon erreicht."

"Man glaube ja nicht, es sei mehr fremde Schmeichelei al unsere eigene, die uns zugrunde richte. Wer wagt es, sich selbst die Wahrheit zu sagen?"


"Lust erlischt, sobald sie den Höhepunkt des Entzückens erreicht hat; sie hat keinen weiteren Spielraum; daher bringt sie schnelle Sättigung, wird uns zum Ekel und welkt nach der ersten stürmischen Hingabe wieder ab."


"NEIN, NICHT GERING IST DIE ZEIT, DIE UNS ZU GEBOTE STEHT; WIR LASSEN NUR VIEL DAVON VERLOREN GEHEN."


"DAS LEBEN IST LANG, WENN MAN ES RECHT ZU BRAUCHEN WEIß"


"Das Leben ist lang wenn man es recht zu brauchen weiß. Aber den einen hält unersättliche Habsucht in ihren Banden gefangen, den anderen eine mühevolle Geschäftigkeit, die an nutzlose Aufgaben verschwendet wird."


"Wie oft vernimmt man die Äußerung: "mit dem fünfzigsten Jahre begebe ich mich in den Ruhestand, mit dem sechzigsten mach ich mich frei von aller amtlichen Tätigkeit." Und wer leistet dir Bürgschaft für ein längeres Leben? Wer soll den Dingen gerade den Lauf geben, den du ihnen bestimmst? Schämst du dich nicht, nur den Rest deines Lebens für dich zu behalten und dir für dein geistiges Wohl nur diejenige Zeit vorzubehalten, die sich zu nichts mehr zu verwenden lässt? Welche Verspätung, mit dem Leben anzufangen, wenn man aufhören muss!"


"Leben zu lernen dazu gehört das ganze Leben, und, was du vielleicht noch wunderbarer finden wirst, sein Leben lang muss man sterben lernen."


"Die grauen Haare und die Runzeln geben dir also keinen hinlänglichen Grund zu glauben, es habe irgend einer lange gelebt: NICHT LANGE GELEBT HAT ER, ER IST NUR LANGE DA GEWESEN."



"Das größte Hemmnis des Lebens ist die Erwartung, die sich an das Morgen hängt und das Heute verloren gibt."


"Der Muße wirklich ergeben sind überhaupt nur die, die ihre Zeit der Weisheit widmen."


"Das Leben derer ist sehr kurz und sorgenvoll, die das Vergangene vergessen, die Gegenwart verträumen und vor der Zukunft Angst haben."


"Sind doch langsame Zugtiere weit geeigneter schwere Lasten zu schleppen, als edle Rose, deren stolze Regsamkeit wohl schwerlich je einer durch schwere Belastung gehemmt hat. Bedenke ferner, mit welchem Sorgen du dich belädst, wenn du dich auch weiterhin zu diesem erdrückenden Dienste hergibst!"


"Was vom Menschen verlangt wird, ist dies, dass er den Mitmenschen nütze, womöglich recht vielen, wo nicht, wenigen, wo nicht, den nächststehenden, und wo auch dies nicht möglich, sich selbst. Denn wenn er sich den anderen nützlich erweist, fördert er das allgemeine Wohl. Wie jeder der durch eigene Schuld herabsinkt, nicht nur sich selbst schadet, sondern auch allen denen, welchen er als gebesserter Mensch hätte nützen können, so macht sich jeder, der sich selbst in Zucht hält, eben dadurch auch um anderen verdient, dass er auf künftigen Nutzen für jene anderen bedacht ist."

[Phillip · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Stoic Philosophy of Seneca, representative selections from Seneca's writings offer the reader an excellent introduction to the range of his work.
The selections are drawn from the essays, or dialogues, and the "Consolations;" from the treatises, of which "On Clemency," addressed to the young Nero, is included here; and from the Letters to Lucilius, which have to do not only with philosophical subjects but also with Seneca's personal experiences, such as journeys and visits.

[Shawn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've read some stoic philosophy in the past that I really enjoyed. This not so much though.
Each chapter of the book covered a different philosophical area. But he went off on too many tangents and seemed to get off topic quite easily.

[Olivia · Rating 1 out of 5]

This *will* drive you over the edge.

[Nat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read: On Providence, On Tranquility of Mind, Letter 47: Slaves, and Letter 70: Suicide.

[Gilbert Wesley Purdy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've actually read most of this in other Seneca volumes and use it to compare notes and translations. Mosesx Hadas is an excellent translator and Norton an even better publisher.

[Zach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely incredible.

[Steven H · Rating 5 out of 5]

A FINE COLLECTION OF THE ROMAN STOIC’S WRITINGS

Lucius Annaeus Seneca [‘Seneca the Younger’; 4 BCE–65 CE], was a Roman Stoic philosopher, statesman, and dramatist.

He states, “‘Why do many misfortunes fall to the lot of good men?’ It is not possible that any evil can befall a good man. Opposites cannot combine… the assaults of adversity do not affect the spirit of a stalwart man. He maintains his poise and assimilates all that falls to his lot for his own complexion, for he is more potent than the world without. I do not maintain that he is insensible to externals, but that he overcomes them; unperturbed and serene, he rises to meet every sally.” (Pg. 29-30)

He continues, “‘But,’ you object, ‘many things which are sad and dreadful and hard to bear do happen.’ Because I could not make you evade their assault, I have given your minds armor to withstand them; bear them with fortitude. In this respect you can surpass god: he is exempt from enduring evil, you rise superior to it. Scorn poverty: no one is as poor as he was at birth.” (Pg. 44)

He suggests, “You must consider whether your nature is better suited for busy activity or for leisurely study and contemplation, and must turn as your character directs… Talent responds badly to coercion; where nature is reluctant, labor is vain.” (Pg. 87)

He observes, “Many people lead an antlike existence; restless indolence would not be a bad name for it. Some of these wretches dashing as to a fire make a pitiful spectacle; they crash into people going the other way and go sprawling with their victims, and all this hurry is to pay a morning call on a man who will never return it, or attend the funeral of a man they do not know, or the trial of some litigious pettifogger, or the engagement reception of a much-married lady.” (Pg. 98)

He also advises, “Upon occasion we should go as far as intoxication, half-seas over, not total immersion. Drink washes cares away, stirs the mind from its lowest depths, and is a specific for sadness as for certain maladies.” (Pg. 105)

He states, “It is better to conquer our sorrow.. than to cheat it, for a grief beguiled and distracted by pleasures or amusements rises again, and the respite refreshes its energy for a savage attack. But a grief which has submitted to reason is appeased forever.” (Pg. 130-131)

He notes, “But nothing is so injurious to character as lounging at the shows. Pleasure paves an easy way for vice to creep in… I come home more greedy, more self-seeking, more pleasure-loving, yes, even more cruel and more inhuman because I have been among humans… The conclusion of every fight is death; no quarter is given… ‘But the fellow was a highwayman; he killed a man!’ So what? Because he killed a man he deserves this fate, but what did you do, poor man, to deserve having to look on?” (Pg. 172-173)

He argues, “‘But he is a slave!’ Shall that count against him? Show me a man who is not; one is a slave to lust, another to greed, another to ambition, all to fear. I can show you a consular who is slave to a crone, a millionaire who is slave to a housemaid; I can point to young aristocrats indentured to pantomimes. Voluntary slavery is the meanest of all.” (Pg. 194)

He says, “Nothing stands in the way of a man who wants to break loose and get away. Nature’s corral is an open space, and when pressure reaches the allowable point a man can look around for an easy exit. If a number of devices for claiming freedom are available, a man can exercise choice and consider what mode of liberation is best for him; but if opportunity is difficult, let him snatch the nearest means as the best, through it be unprecedented, though it be novel.” (Pg. 206-207)

He asserts, “If philosophy came as a bounty would there be any reason to respect it? Its sole function is to discover truth concerning things divine and human. Religion is inseparable from it, as are piety and justice and the entire retinue of intertwined and cohesive virtues. Philosophy has taught us to worship the divine and to love the human; it has taught us that sovereignty belongs to the gods and fellowship to men.” (Pg. 226)

He notes, “Necessities require little care; it is luxury that costs labor. Follow Nature and you will not wish for artificers.” (Pg. 229)

This collection, as well as Seneca’s “Letters from a Stoic,” are “must reading” for anyone seriously studying the Stoic philosophy.

[Donald · Rating 5 out of 5]

What to say about the writings of a man born about 4 BCE in Spain, writings which have so far survived for me to read?
To start, by its very longevity these essays and letters are deserved of a five star rating. Anything less than five star authorship would not have survived. Call it a theory...
If I had to choose one essay that stood out to me it would come from this top-five list:
On the Shortness of Life
On Tranquility of Mind
Friendship
Moderation
The Happy Life
I read a copy from the library, but I think I'd like my own. One I can underline in and possibly make notes; one which I can read whenever I get the urge.

[Jonathan · Rating 2 out of 5]

More like 2.5 stars. A solid collection of works--I enjoy having some of his longer essays paired with his shorter letters. Of the essays, the ones on providence, tranquility, and clemency were the ones I found most instructive. As for his letters (many of which I've read before), I find that his earlier ones are pithier and more engaging. In the end, I've never been crazy about Seneca, although there are some gems of real insight to be found here and there, so I guess it's worth it.

[Gavin English · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that I just could not read through one sitting, make you think; s o I had to go back to it several times. Took I little while in between work and business but I really good read. Kept me intrigued all the way through. Definitely relatable, thought provoking and a work of art. I’m gonna keep this one on my shelf, recommend to a friend and also read it again. I’d like to thank Seneca for putting it all together thank you and your work is very appreciated

[itwasfonsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars OVERALL. To be more accurate; I gave it a 4 on the basis of content, but for the overall book, it's a 3. It's a small book, and the pages feel crowded with letters -making it a hard read. I loved everything Seneca wrote though, if you're interested in learning the stoic attitude this is a great book to start with, I learned more about stoicism than Meditations.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the bulk of this within a college class on Hellenistic Philosophy. It seems pointless to rate something so ancient, and powerful, but Seneca's philosophy resonated quite strong with me then, and it did when I dug this up later to deliver a sermon.