"It is philosophy that has the duty of protecting us...without it no one can lead a life free of fear or worry."
For several years of his turbulent life, Seneca was the guiding hand of the Roman Empire. His inspired reasoning derived mainly from the Stoic principles, which had originally been developed some centuries earlier in Athens. This selection of Seneca's letters shows him upholding the austere ethical ideals of Stoicism-the wisdom of the self-possessed person immune to overmastering emotions and life's setbacks-while valuing friendship and the courage of ordinary men, and criticizing the harsh treatment of slaves and the cruelties in the gladiatorial arena. The humanity and wit revealed in Seneca's interpretation of Stoicism is a moving and inspiring declaration of the dignity of the individual mind.
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Letters from a Stoic - Seneca Introduction
Seneca's Life
Seneca and Philosophy
Seneca and Literature: His letters and other writings; his style; his influence and appeal
Note on translation and text
Postscript
Letters
Notes
Bibliography
Appendix: Tactitus' account of Seneca's death
Index of persons and places