Letters from a Stoic.

Epistulae morales ad Lucilium

254 pages

English language

Published Dec. 14, 1969 by Penguin.

ISBN:
978-0-14-044210-6
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4 stars (4 reviews)

This selection of Seneca's letters shows him upholding the ethical ideals of Stoicism—the wisdom of the self-possessed person immune to overmastering emotions and life’s setbacks—while valuing friendship and the courage of ordinary men, 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

3 editions

reviewed Letters from a Stoic. by Seneca the Younger (The Penguin classics L210)

Interesting more from a historical perspective

4 stars

Definitely not as engaging as Meditations, but still interesting, as much for what it reveals about upper class Roman life as it does about Stoicism.

Heated tubs connected to the ocean, criticism of "night owls", debates about real locations of places mentioned in the Odyssey that we're still having today, and people gossiping about Sappho's sex life.

It really makes me feel like not much has changed between now and then other than the technology of distributing information.

reviewed Letters from a Stoic. by Seneca the Younger (The Penguin classics L210)

Review of 'Letters from a Stoic.' on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

Although I read a different edition that I could not find here, this book is excellent. It is basically a life manual, that is based solely on the Stoic ideals and doctrines. Seneca's letters are personal to his dear friend and consequently to us , the readers. I felt like Seneca was addressing his letters to me, thus I anticipated every chapter like receiving a new mail from a dear friend.

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Subjects

  • Ethics -- Early works to 1800
  • Conduct of life -- Early works to 1800