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

I think this is an excellent book but I also like these Penguin pocket hardbacks and hope it is a range they plan to expand upon, the volumes are small enough for a large coat pocket or the side pocket of some cargo pants, there is attached to the spine a ribbon book mark and the binding is good, it holds fast and provides a sturdy book but is not stiff and there is no difficulty with the pages turning. This edition has a great introduction which provides biographical information at the writer and some comment and context to the work itself, including suggestion that while Seneca was a great writer and very wise in print he was not always the best at applying his own philosophy in his own life, although as the author states in the introduction he succeeded in humanising what had been and can be otherwise a very harsh philosophy (indeed another stoic's shame at shedding a tear at bereavement gets a mention in contrast). Like I mentioned in a review of another from this series, I get the feeling having read the book and then reading the introduction once more than it would have been a better idea to have read the book itself first and then read the introduction. I do share the view expressed in the introduction that Seneca probably did compose the letters with a thought that they would be published or collected, the detail in the introduction supports this alone but reading the letters I cant help but believe they are second or third drafts as opposed to spontaneous single compositions. The letters themselves are not long, it would be possible to choose to read one each day like those treasury books which are divide so as to permit a different reading for each day of a year or seasons of a year. Each letter is full of fantastic, quotable sentences and paragraphs and Seneca further to this also includes details of some reading he has done and what he has found quotable in them, kind of in a "thought for the day" fashion. I particularly liked his reference in one of the earlier letters about reading Epicurus, as a "reconnaissance" of the rival camp rather than a "desertion" of his own. There is great wisdom and thinking in each letter and they are as entertaining as they are enlightening, while this book would appeal to fans of Seneca's other books, Penguin has printed in their great ideas series a small book including an essay on the shortness of life (a life well lived is long, whatever its length may be being the main conclusion), readers interested in Stoicism or philosophy, it should prove just as accessible and interesting to a general reader too.

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.

Lucius Seneca is one of the most famous Roman philosophers, he was instrumental in guiding the Roman empire under the Emperor Nero. The book reads like a diary or a handbook of philosophical meditations, and I am finding it very thought provoking and enjoyable.

A fine little book, well presented and affordable, I particularly liked the paper used in the pages since it was very fine and reminded me of some old books I have from the 19th and 20th century.

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.

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

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.

An excellent read. This is an important read for anyone interested in Stoicism, especially and particularly Roman Stoicism. Seneca is slightly unusual for his day in that he often espouses the thoughts of thinkers from other (albeit closely-related) schools, such as Epicurus. The letters cover an extraordinary range of topics and his letters are interesting from a purely historical perspective, too, as they give insights into daily Roman life. Read his letters and you will find it difficult not to be touched and affected.

"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.

Tenía tiempo buscando el libro con un buen acabado. me encantó, un diseño elegante y sobrio, lass hojas son bastante gruesas y la calidad de la impresion es muy buena.

I like the covers. Book arrived in perfect condition with a wrap packing. Book itself is great since it gives you insight in the minds of great stoics.

Another high-quality penguin classics book. It is a nice size for your shoulder bag although some might think the text is a little bit small. This is the original book on stoicism. There are many people in the present day who are basically just rewriting this and publishing new books. Don’t even bother with that new stuff. Stick to the original.