Selected from the Epistulae Morales ad Lucilium, Seneca's Letters
from a Stoic are a set of 'essays in disguise' from one of the most
insightful philosophers of the Silver Age of Roman literature. This
Penguin Classics edition is translated from the Latin with an
introduction by Robin Campbell. A philosophy that saw
self-possession as the key to an existence lived 'in accordance
with nature', Stoicism called for the restraint of animal instincts
and the severing of emotional ties. These beliefs were formulated
by the Athenian followers of Zeno in the fourth century BC, but it
was in Seneca that the Stoics found their most eloquent advocate.
Stoicism, as expressed in the Letters, helped ease pagan Rome's
transition to Christianity, for it upholds upright ethical ideals
and extols virtuous living, as well as expressing disgust for the
harsh treatment of slaves and the inhumane slaughters witnessed in
the Roman arenas. Seneca's major contribution to a seemingly
unsympathetic creed was to transform it into a powerfully moving
and inspiring declaration of the dignity of the individual mind.
Robin Campbell's lucid translation captures Seneca's humour and
tautly aphoristic style. In his introduction, he discusses the
tensions between Seneca's philosophy and his turbulent career as
adviser to the tyrannical emperor Nero. 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. If you enjoyed Letters from a Stoic, you might like Marcus
Aurelius's Meditations, also available in Penguin Classics.
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Great piece of work!
Sat, 9 Jul 2022 | Review
by: Senecus Menecus, The First.
If you are in to stoicism then there is no doubt that this is a book that you have to pick up and read. Seneca had much to say in his letters that will get one to think. Keep in mind though, that this type of philosophy is not for everyone (as with all philosophy). Another great piece of stoic writing is 'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius. Both books are great.
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