Letters from a Stoic

Epistulae Morales Ad Lucilium

Seneca, Robin Campbell

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Penguin
01 July 1974

Literature, Poetry & Criticism; Western philosophy: Ancient, to c 500; Penguin Black Classics

A collection of works by the most eloquent advocate of Stoicism

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.

By: Seneca
Translated by: Robin Campbell
Imprint: Penguin
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 197mm, Width: 129mm, Spine: 16mm
Weight: 193g
ISBN: 9780140442106
ISBN 10: 0140442103
Pages: 256
Publication Date: 01 July 1974
Audience: General/trade , College/higher education , Professional and scholarly , ELT Advanced , Primary
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Lucius Annaeus Seneca (c.4BC - AD65) was born in Spain but was raised according to the traditional values of the republic of Rome. In AD48 he became tutor to the future emperor Nero and became his principal civil advisor when he took power. His death was eventually ordered by Nero in AD65, but Seneca anticipated the emperor's decree and committed suicide. Robin Campbell is a well-known translator.