Seneca’s Letters from a Stoic are moral letters to his friend Lucilius, written over two thousand years ago. They still hold the power to fascinate. The letters were written by Seneca at the end of his life, during his retirement, after he had worked for the Emperor Nero for fifteen years. They are addressed to Lucilius, the then procurator of Sicily, although he is known only through Seneca’s writings. It is not clear from the historical record whether or not Seneca and Lucilius actually corresponded, or whether in fact Seneca created the work as a form of fiction. 

Written in an intimate, conversational style, the letters reflect the traditional Stoic focus on living in accordance with nature and accepting the world on its own terms. The philosopher emphasizes the Roman values of courage, self-control, and rationality, yet he remains remarkably modern in his tolerant and cosmopolitan attitude.

Seneca’s interpretation of Stoicism constitutes a timeless and inspiring declaration of the dignity of the individual mind. For a new generation of Stoic students and practitioners, this lively, timeless guide to living the good life is an essential read.