Book description
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.
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.
