'No man is crushed by misfortune unless he has first been deceived by prosperity
.' In these dialogues and essays the Stoic philosopher Seneca outlines his thoug
hts on how to live in a troubled world. Tutor to the young emperor Nero, Seneca
wrote exercises in practical philosophy that draw upon contemporary Roman life a
nd illuminate the intellectual concerns of the day. They also have much to say t
o the modern reader, as Seneca ranges widely across subjects such as the shortne
ss of life, tranquillity of mind, anger, mercy, happiness, and grief at the loss
of a loved one.
Seneca's accessible, aphoristic style makes his writing espe
cially attractive as an introduction to Stoic philosophy, and belies its reputat
ion for austerity and dogmatism. This edition combines a clear and modern transl
ation with an introduction to Seneca's life and philosophical interests, and hel
pful notes.
