Letters from a Stoic

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Lucius Annaeus Seneca (4 BC-AD 65) is one of the most famous Roman philosophers. Instrumental in guiding the Roman Empire under emperor Nero, Seneca influenced him from a young age with his Stoic principles. Later in life, he wrote Epistulae Morales ad Lucilium, or Letters from a Stoic, detailing these principles in full.

Seneca’s letters read like a diary, or a handbook of philosophical meditations. Often beginning with observations on daily life, the letters focus on many traditional themes of Stoic philosophy, such as the contempt of death, the value of friendship and virtue as the supreme good.

Using Gummere’s translation from the early twentieth century, this selection of Seneca’s letters shows his belief in the austere, ethical ideals of Stoicism – teachings we can still learn from today.

About the author

Lucius Annaeus Seneca (4 BC – AD 65), also known as Seneca the Younger, was a Roman philosopher, statesman and tragedian, who later acted as tutor and trusted advisor to Emperor Nero. Seneca is best known today for his writings of moral philosophy and Stoic principles.