Letters from a Stoic (Penguin Classics)
by Lucius Annaeus Seneca
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Book Summary Information
Author: Lucius Annaeus SenecaBrand: Penguin Group USA
Translator: Robin Campbell
Introduction: Robin Campbell
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 1969-07-30
ISBN: 0140442103
Number of pages: 254
Publisher: Penguin Books
Book Reviews of Letters from a Stoic (Penguin Classics)
Book Review: As if we had our own resident philosopher
Summary: 5 Stars
The brilliance of this gem of a work, is that its 2000 years old but the essential messages Seneca conveys to his friend on a great many topics through his letters is still as relevant today as then and we can still identify with them.
After an excellent intro into the mans life with a compact explanation of the basis and foundations for the Stoic philosophy the book moves on whereby each successive chapter is basically in the form of a "letter" written by Seneca in response to an issue his protege Lucillius has raised. Each letter is basically two parts. Firstly an "analysis of the issue", secondly a discussion of the "remedy/s". An example of the variance of issues covered is listed as follows (being a mere third of the letters within the book):
Letter II: The unsettled mind
Letter III: The defining of friendship/need for...
Letter V: On the need to avoid attracting -ve attention.
Letter VI: The difference/benefit of "converse" and "discource" among peers.
Letter VII/VIII: Avoiding the crowd.
Letter: IX: The defining of contentedness
Letter XI: On handling moments of weakness
Letter XII: Aging with dignity
Letter XV: Balancing exercise of the mind with exercise of the body.
Letter XVI: The value of philosophy if fate determines ones lot.
Letter XVIII: Moderation vs Indulgence
Letter XXVI: Maintaining spirit/vigor in old age.
And so on..
The translation by Robin Campbell is excellent and so lucid it compliments rather than detracts from Senecas obvious wit and wisdom as is always a risk when converting Latin to English. Example of some of Seneca's wisdom are as follows:
Letter CVII. This letter talks of the unfairness and inequity of life. Quote: "The fairness of a law does not consist in its effect being actually felt by all alike but in its having been laid down for all alike."
Or Letter XII that talks of old age and the prospect of death. Quote: "...no one is so old that it would it would be quite unnatural for him to hope for one more day."
Letter IX: A gem of an aspect Seneca raises in this letter is the idea of "the fairweather friend". That friend who frequently calls upon us for help and assistance and who we consider a close friend. Yet low and behold when our circumstances suffer an unexpected turn for the worse and we need them, they are nowhere to be found.
Its a work full of thoughts/issues/ideas concerning everyday life that will eerily show the more things change the more they stay the same. All up such a quality read. You can go back to it time and time again and still find it refreshing and thought provoking. Its also oddly personal as you can be forgiven the way it lucidly flows for thinking Seneca is addressing us in person. All of which adds to its appeal and relevance.
My only complaint: I want more. Its that good.
Summary of Letters from a Stoic (Penguin Classics)
A philosophy that saw self-possession as the key to an existence lived 'in accordance with nature', Stoicism called for the restraint of animal instincts and the severing of emotional ties. These beliefs were formulated by the Athenian followers of Zeno in the fourth century BC, but it was in Seneca (c. 4 BC - AD 65) that the Stoics found their most eloquent advocate. Stoicism, as expressed in the Letters, helped ease pagan Rome's transition to Christianity, for it upholds upright ethical ideals and extols virtuous living, as well as expressing disgust for the harsh treatment of slaves and the inhumane slaughters witnessed in the Roman arenas. Seneca's major contribution to a seemingly unsympathetic creed was to transform it into a powerfully moving and inspiring declaration of the dignity of the individual mind.Letters & Correspondence Books
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