Letters from a Stoic

By Lucius Annaeus Seneca

Seneca's Letters from a Stoic gathers moral letters he wrote late in life to his friend Lucilius, after more than ten years serving the emperor Nero. Many letters begin with an observation from daily life and move to a principle of Stoic philosophy, such as self-possession, living in accordance with nature and facing death without fear. Seneca also condemns the harsh treatment of slaves and the slaughter in the Roman arenas. This Penguin edition is Robin Campbell's translation, with an introduction on Seneca's turbulent career.

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Shane Parrish: “It’s clear from reading Seneca that he’s full of wisdom. His letters deal with everything we deal with today: success, failure, wealth, poverty, grief. His philosophy is practical and useful. Not only will reading this book help equip you for what comes in life, but it’ll help you communicate with others”