3.5
Letters on Ethics
ByPublisher Description
The Roman statesman and philosopher Seneca (4 BCE–65 CE) recorded his moral philosophy and reflections on life as a highly original kind of correspondence.
includes vivid descriptions of town and country life in Nero's Italy, discussions of poetry and oratory, and philosophical training for Seneca's friend Lucilius. This volume, the first complete English translation in nearly a century, makes the
more accessible than ever before.
Written as much for a general audience as for Lucilius, these engaging letters offer advice on how to deal with everything from nosy neighbors to sickness, pain, and death. Seneca uses the informal format of the letter to present the central ideas of Stoicism, for centuries the most influential philosophical system in the Mediterranean world. His lively and at times humorous expositions have made the
his most popular work and an enduring classic. Including an introduction and explanatory notes by Margaret Graver and A. A. Long, this authoritative edition will captivate a new generation of readers.
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3.5
“This was a long but really enjoyable read. There were a lot of chapters I could relate to, and some of them genuinely challenged the way I see things. Seneca comes across as a really interesting person, and it makes you wonder how much his life experiences shaped what he wrote.
What surprised me most about Stoicism, especially in Seneca’s letters, is that it’s not just about ethics or how to live a good life. He also touches on deeper topics like metaphysics, logic, and how we understand the world in general, which I didn’t expect going in. Some parts felt super relevant even today.”
“Second read-through:
Reading this book felt like a discussion with my late grandfather. Seneca gives advice to his friend from a higher level, as if he is older and wiser, but almost in a condescending way.
I highlighted points from almost every page, and I find his stoic way of life admirable. These letters hit on so many aspects of life that are absolutely still applicable today (2000 years later).
I have to note that what we know of Seneca's life and being an advisor to Emperor Nero...he doesn't seem to practice always what he preaches (and history shows us how bad Nero turned out).
Personally, this book gave me great life advice I will utilize but it also just made me feel like Seneca would not approve of my life choices. Many times the big choices I made for my family, Seneca preaches how horrible and wrong it is.
For a stoic read, Seneca gives great (even better) advice but is too condescending for me. I prefered reading Meditations from Emperor Marcus Aurelius.”
“I just finished Seneca's Letters on Ethics, and I really enjoyed it! pure strategic wisdom from a man who lived at the center of power.
Packed with great lessons on mastering time, enduring hardship, and building an unbreakable inner self. You could read it twice and still pull new insights; it's that layered,
He teaches to focus on what's in your control, always improve your mind, dont fear death, associate with those who elevate you and remember that quality trumps quantity in life.
My favorite line: "Every one of us has the chance to live well, and no one can live long."
Great read straight from the original thinker's mind we see exactly how Seneca shaped centuries of thought. Excited to tackle his other works next. 📚
Oh and this books versions. Translations are great!”
About Lucius Annaeus Seneca
is the Aaron Lawrence Professor of Classics at Dartmouth College. She is the author of
and
.
is Chancellor's Professor Emeritus of Classics at the University of California, Berkeley. He is the author of many books on ancient philosophy, including
and
.
Other books by Lucius Annaeus Seneca
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