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Lucius Annaeus Seneca
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Letters from a Stoic (The Epistles of Seneca) Paperback – December 1, 2016

by Seneca (Author), Richard Mott Gummere (Translator)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 615 ratings
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Seneca's Epistles are united here: all 124 of the letters in a single volume, complete with thorough explanatory notes, an appendix, and an index of the names referred to in the text.

The entirety of this compendium was penned by Seneca during his retirement and sent to his friend Lucilius Junior, a procurator of Sicily. At this late stage of life, Seneca held great experience in matters of both philosophy and governance, having served under the Emperor Nero for fifteen years.

Despite the conversational tone present in many of Seneca's epistles, it isn't entirely clear whether Seneca actually corresponded with Lucilius. It is possible that Seneca simply wished to write a fictional correspondence so as to experiment with the form, possibly recreating how he might wisely explain certain ideas or concepts to individuals.

It is in his Epistles that Seneca demonstrates his philosophical clout: topics range from how to behave virtuously, how to approach death, how to consider drunkenness, how philosophy is practical and relevant to living, and how travel can be a salve to the trials of everyday living. The opinions of Seneca are generally supported by examples, logical argument, or rooted in his long experiences of life and learning.

Seneca's letters are valuable for shedding light on a variety of disciplines as they were in classical antiquity. The jargon surrounding medicine, law, and navigation at sea show a culture where professions had developed greatly. The social aspect of Roman life, how people recreated, and what things were held in high regard are also much discussed, while prominent figures such as Publilius Syrus are quoted by Seneca in support of his points or topics.

The quotation: Vita sine litteris mors - 'Life without learning [is] death' - is derived from the 82nd epistle, and remains the motto for several educational institutions around the world.
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  1. Print length
    266 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    December 1, 2016
  4. Dimensions
    8.5 x 0.6 x 11 inches
  5. ISBN-10
    1540724557
  6. ISBN-13
    978-1540724557
  7. See all details
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Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (December 1, 2016)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 266 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1540724557
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1540724557
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.36 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.5 x 0.6 x 11 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 615 ratings

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Lucius Annaeus Seneca

Lucius Annaeus Seneca

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Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
615 global ratings
WARNING! Table of Contents Removed, Forced to Read 124 Letters Start to Finish???
1 Star
WARNING! Table of Contents Removed, Forced to Read 124 Letters Start to Finish???
What happened to the table of contents??? I used to be able to go to each of the letters individually and then after the "update" recently the table of contents changed and there is only a single link to ALL the letters. There are 124 letters!!! This is not a novel you read start to finish, one should be able to go to the letters the want to and search through them based on their title. I'm upset because the feature was there but then it was removed. What gives Amazon?? Change it back!I have nothing against the content, my gripe is with the Kindle version of this book. If you want to read this book on your kindle get another version.
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Top reviews from the United States

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5.0 out of 5 stars Absolute Masterpiece
Reviewed in the United States on March 13, 2021
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This book, containing all of Seneca’s extant letters on moral philosophy, is the greatest and most influential moral philosophy lessons I have ever come across. Whenever I feel down, I always consult this masterpiece for its sage lessons on dealing with adversity, the endurance of pain, and much more. It is without equal. The publishers of this book, Vigeo Press, have also down an absolutely masterful job in putting out a superbly high quality text with great durability, all for an unbeatable price which puts the competition to shame I feel. This book gets beyond a 5-star rating in every category.
4 people found this helpful
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Kady
5.0 out of 5 stars The Unquestionable Beauty & Blessings of Philosophy
Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2016
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One of the best pragmatic books out there on the usefulness of philosophy and its positive impacts on any person's character, regardless of one's material status in society. I deeply admire Seneca's sayings, precisely because he seemed to have tried his best to live according to what philosophy dictates; namely that we be logical as well as humane , strong as well as sensible, courageous, brave and cautious not out of fear but because one has impartially investigated any given issue and reason has dictated the right course.
This book and stoicism in general appeal to me immeasurably because the sense of community, hospitality and genuine kindness toward others is a unique African cultural practice. Perhaps this is what Africa can offer the world : Its humanity, humility and patience, despite the wars and diseases and sufferings. May we be all be blessed with sound minds,healthy souls and bodies as Seneca will be inclined to say.
I highly recommend this book!
6 people found this helpful
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AnneCampese
4.0 out of 5 stars Great - But, TOO BIG
Reviewed in the United States on February 22, 2019
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Regarding The Letters Of A Stoic:
1. The translation is very good.
2. All 124 letters extent are included, unlike most other versions, including the Penguin Classic.
3. The price I purchased it, less than $9.00, was a great bargain.

Only 1 complaint.
4. The format of the physical book is OVERSIZED which is cumbersome to read.
(I've not checked, I may have overlooked the book dimensions in the book description prior to ordering).

I would still recommend this book- just be aware that it's a BIG BOOK.
8 people found this helpful
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Martin
5.0 out of 5 stars I can only recommend.
Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2015
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Excellent ideas in this book. One might say well, ideas in the book are obvious and well known. I can only say yes, they are. But how many of us do remind and live them in our daily life? How would world look like if we would live them day by day? Seneca was a wise man and the book is full of great thoughts.
What I also like about the book is, that is is divided into short letters, so it is easy to read, e.g. one letter a day. Therefore it's easy to read it just for 10 minutes a day and still have a benefit of it.
For the price of Kindle edition, it is a diamond for peanuts :).
One person found this helpful
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Ra
5.0 out of 5 stars A must read, but I warn you.
Reviewed in the United States on March 15, 2017
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Simple practical wisdom to help you navigate chaotic life. There are so many jewels in this book that I've probably highland more things than I have not. I simply cannot recall the last work of literature that turned on as many lightbulbs for me except perhaps the bible when I first read it. This wisdom though transcends religion in my humble opinion. A must read, but I warn you; the wisdom and enlightenment you gain from reading Seneca's letters will only further estrange you form your dumb friends. They won't get it or your interest in it, and as they continue to fumble about in the dark, the sweetness of your metaphysical ascension will mingle with some bitterness for their blindness.

4 Year Update. Still reading, still learning. ''You must linger among a limited number of master-thinkers, and digest their works, if you would derive ideas which shall win firm hold in your mind". That being said, you must consider the times this work was written in and the problems it was meant to address. While much of it is, not every single thing is transferable to modern day. There is also somewhat of a snobby haughtiness to Seneca that will eventually dawn on one, particularly when ones realizes that amidst all his talk of austerity, Seneca was fabulously rich.
72 people found this helpful
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peterwoberglin
3.0 out of 5 stars Not an easy tome to stoically endure
Reviewed in the United States on December 13, 2023
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First 15-20% are excellent, 5 star material; pithy, clear-sighted, wise. Then comes old age, and the inevitable wordiness, whilst examples and arguments grow longer they materially lose relevance and sharpness. This leaves us with 80-85% that is sometimes good, sometimes OK and sometimes just dumb.

In the end Seneca comes across as a tiresome old hypocrite. He tells us to foreswear all life’s luxury and comfort, not to mourn our dead sons, to die young on the rack with equanimity and so on. But he does so whilst admitting to blushing when being driven around in a simple cart, or when sitting at his villa in Alba (not his only one at that) waiting for his cook and baker to arrive.

I’m going to be kind and round upwards.
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RMN
5.0 out of 5 stars The best of Seneca
Reviewed in the United States on July 11, 2018
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There are certain books about Stoicism that are classics. This is one of them. There are 124 letters in total from Seneca to Lucilius (possibly a fictional recipient). Seneca served as tutor to Nero, worked as a lawyer, suffered a banishment, and death of a son. His life, in other words, was eventful. These letters were written near the end of it.

There is no order to the letters, but in the course of them Seneca touches on a wide range of topics and gives advice about seemingly every aspect of life. The other philosophical writings of Seneca are essays that focus on one topic, such as consolation or anger. They are rougher reading because he belabors his arguments in ways that in many cases are no longer interesting. The letters are shorter and lighter, as well as more wide ranging. They show Seneca at his best.

These letters are some of the finest pieces of ethical thought to survive from ancient times. The fact that they are not better known and widely read is a tragedy. This should be considered a "desert island" book by civilized people.
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Raquel Villavicencio
1.0 out of 5 stars Mal hecho
Reviewed in Mexico on June 11, 2023
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Las páginas de desprenden solas
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Rachel
5.0 out of 5 stars Hard read, but great book
Reviewed in Germany on February 5, 2021
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The language is a bit hard, but this book is not meant to be read cover to cover- but rather read each story, and think and contemplate...
Great philosophy book.
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sudhir
5.0 out of 5 stars Good book worth reading for some profound insights on life
Reviewed in India on August 8, 2020
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Its a good book , you need to chew on the thought for long time. Some thoughts are wye opening. For example. You dont need to be guilty of being rich or burdened by being poor, you can still live in harmony with your situation by being aware of its non significance in life. Time is running out for everyone , you have to be conscious of that and take your decision
3 people found this helpful
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Paulette Zaldivar Flores
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read.
Reviewed in Japan on July 3, 2023
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Still in the process of reading this. Can’t recommend it enough.
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Ron Peters
5.0 out of 5 stars Great translation, complete set at a good price!
Reviewed in Canada on March 10, 2017
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This is my favorite set of Stoic writings, and my favorite translation. It's nice to find the complete set at an affordable price! I've found one error in the text. Epistle 18, On Festivals and Fasting, is missing the ending of part 12 and all of parts 13 and 14. That aside, I'm loving it. I'm reading along and highlighting my favorite passages while I listen to the same translation in an Audiobook recording.
3 people found this helpful
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