Letters from a Stoic: Epistulae Morales Ad Lucilium (Penguin Classics)

Lessons for living, and living well. Reading the letters slowly, like one a day and letting the thoughts settle in and thinking about it. I’d recommend not running through it at own go but with breaks to take it in, if think single malt whiskey, not tequila shot

Anyone looking for guidance should read this clever collection of fundamental advisory letters from one of ancient Romes' richest and most powerful men. Take time to read the preface as Senecas context is important. He's a stoic do expect dry wit, deep clearly written common sense and fatalistic minimalism.

This book is unreviewable. It is a piece of history and beyond criticism. It’s worth remembering that these were personal correspondences with a friend, and therefore, the usual standards of literary critique, I feel, don’t apply. These letters were not crafted for a wide audience or with the intention of perfection - they are honest reflections, pieces of advice, and meditations on life and philosophy. To critique them as one would a work of literature or philosophy book would miss the deeply human and conversational nature of the text. They are intimate and raw, offering glimpses of senecas mind. To sit here and say “it’s this” or “it’s that” would be inappropriate of me, I feel. But if you were to ask me would I recommend letters of a stoic? Yes, yes I would.

It’s not often you read a classical author and feel you are reading one of your contemporaries. But this is the case with Seneca in these letters which he wrote to a friend in the early 60s AD. They are affable, witty, and supremely accessible. Perhaps the most striking thing about them is their materialist discourse at a time when religious explanations were widespread. For Seneca the universe consisted of matter informed by creative reason, the same reason that informs the human personality. Hence the Stoic assertion that god is within us, and that a virtuous life lived according to reason could achieve tranquillity, the state of being of the gods, if there are any. Ethics was accordingly the centre of philosophy for the Stoics, with their basic concepts of moderation, acceptance, and endurance. And the letters are filled with practical advice on how to live a virtuous and happy life, much of which seems eminently sensible today. There’s his advice, for example, on how to cope with the Saturnalia, the Roman festival later transformed into Christmas: don’t overindulge, but don’t opt out either. Stoicism, however, was the ideology of the ruling class, and it has the limitations of the class it derives from: self-direction, social and political conservatism, indifference to the plight of others. Its historical significance lies in becoming the personal ethic of Christianity, supplemented by the New Testament ethic of neighbourly love, after the adoption of Christianity by the Roman empire in the fourth century. An instructive and enlightening collection rendered in a sympathetic and unobtrusive translation.

If you are interested in Stoicism in the slightest. Then this is a must read. Very accessible for the modern reader, considering it was from a guy who lived a long time ago. It’s a book of letters to friends so the chapters are relatively short, but full of wisdom and criticisms (of society) that are still relative today. I would say get this over any of the so called modern writers who write about stoicism, ahem Ryan Holiday - Terrible writer who is full of himself, put me off reading stoic philosophy for the longest time. Get this book and Meditations it will give you an insight into all you need to know about Stoicism. Epictetus is good too but a bit harder to read and he’s a bit preachy.

Seneca was a politician, playwrite, satirist and argubaly the most interesting of all the great Stoic philosophers. As with the other books I have on the subject; it translates remarkably weel from ancient roome to modern. One does not even have to read between the lines, or be any academic, or particularly clever (which I am not) to apprecite the insights provided by this text. A credo to which I am happy to subscribe in a world fuul of the shallow and meaningless. An ideology that I espouse, which gives me strength every day. I can recommend this to anyone; whether looking to expand your horizons, or find an explanation for what's in front of you. Most highly recommended. BTG

Great product

Ler essas cartas, e refletir sobre elas, é amadurecer. Diariamente, cada passagem, e cada chamado de Seneca, me faz pensar sobre minhas certezas, minha visão de mundo, minhas capacidades e minha atitude. Ao longo da experiência de ler este livro, vejo que é daqueles tipos que não se lê rapidamente, mas aos poucos, a cada dia, em pequenas doses. O livro é sutil, mas a mensagem é atômica. Na minha visão Seneca é um professor do estoicismo, Marco Aurélio um praticante fiel e independente. Conhecer as obras desses autores, é elevar a racionalidade, o pragmatismo e a resiliência. Se você está aqui, é porque recebeu o chamado: Você está sendo convidado a ser um adulto no mundo, ir além da superficialidade do que se chama de 'inteligência emocional'. O convite é para que se torne mestre dos seus pensamentos e emoções, e direcione sua vida. Sua atitude de escolher a responsabilidade, naturalmente te tornará um guia para os que precisam de adultos para guiá-los. O estoicismo torna as pessoas líderes, mesmo que não desejem, em verdade, especialmente por não desejarem o poder, podem não ser seduzidas e confinados em seus artifícios. Os líderes estoicos não concentram poder em si mesmos. Têm consciência de seu papel no todo, e por isso convidam a competência e a gestão descentralizada das funções vitais da Polis, do Estado. São efetivos, porque não se envaidecem ou ousam fazer tudo sozinhos. São resilientes, pois não sujam os pensamentos com preocupações desnecessárias a respeito do que está fora do controle, ou mesmo influência deles. Busque amadurecer o caráter, o estoicismo é um excelente caminho e Seneca é um excelente guia e professor, até que você alcance a independência e a verdadeira liberdade responsável.

Interesting book to read

An introduction to stoicism through the eyes of Seneca. This book opened my eyes to an alternative way of perceiving the world and living with accepting what comes along (not every thing, but you learn how much one can really bear if one just stops complaining). This book is about philosophy and life. I would recommend it.

The book came in perfect condition and just as pictured. The words contained inside are truly life changing. To hear the teachings of Seneca and how even during his time people struggled with the same problems and challenges we face even today. This book has truly impacted my life for the better. If you’re thinking of buying the book, i would recommend don't think and just do it. The words written inside it, if applied to your life can truly change your life for the better.

"Letters From A Stoic" by Seneca, also known as "Epistulae Morales Ad Lucilium," is a timeless collection of letters that offers profound insights into Stoic philosophy and practical guidance for living a meaningful life. As a reader of this Penguin Classics edition, I am delighted to give it a perfect rating for its wisdom, clarity, and enduring relevance. One of the standout features of this book is Seneca's ability to distill complex philosophical concepts into easily understandable and relatable letters. His writing style is clear, concise, and thought-provoking, making it accessible to readers of all backgrounds. Each letter addresses various aspects of life, including wisdom, virtue, resilience, and relationships, offering guidance on how to navigate the challenges and triumphs we encounter. The Penguin Classics edition of "Letters From A Stoic" showcases the meticulousness and scholarly expertise that the series is known for. The translation is well-executed, capturing the essence of Seneca's words while maintaining readability. The introduction and footnotes provide valuable context and explanations, deepening the reader's understanding of the text and the historical context in which it was written. The wisdom contained within these letters is as relevant today as it was when originally penned. Seneca's teachings on embracing adversity, cultivating virtue, and living a life of integrity resonate across time and offer valuable insights for navigating the complexities of the modern world. The book serves as a companion for reflection and self-examination, encouraging readers to engage with the Stoic philosophy and apply its principles to their own lives. In terms of value for money, this Penguin Classics edition of "Letters From A Stoic" offers a reasonable price for the depth of wisdom it imparts. The enduring nature of the Stoic teachings ensures that the book can be revisited time and again, yielding new insights with each reading. In conclusion, "Letters From A Stoic" is a treasure trove of timeless wisdom and profound reflections. Seneca's letters, expertly translated and presented in this Penguin Classics edition, offer valuable guidance for living a virtuous and meaningful life. Whether you are a philosophy enthusiast or simply seeking practical wisdom for personal growth, this book is an invaluable resource that deserves a prominent place on your bookshelf.