Essays on Seneca’s life, his world and the ideas in his letters, plus practical guides to living them today. Search by topic, or pick a shelf below.
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New to Seneca? These three will get you going.
Gift guideStoic Gift Guide: The Best Books to GiveThoughtful picks for beginners, daily practice and history lovers.GuideLetters from a Stoic: A Beginner’s GuideWhat the 124 letters are, who wrote them, and where to start reading.GuideSeneca, Marcus Aurelius or Epictetus: Which Stoic First?The three great Stoics compared, and which one suits you.PracticeA Stoic Daily Routine: 7 Habits from SenecaReading, reflection, a little discomfort and good company.
Seneca’s life and world
Exile, emperors, a fortune and a friendship: the man behind the letters.
History · timelineHow Did Seneca Die? His Last DayNero’s order, his calm last evening, and what Tacitus recorded.History · mapsSeneca’s World: Life in Ancient RomeDaily life under Caligula, Claudius and Nero, with maps and a timeline.HistorySeneca’s Scandal: The Affair That Got Him ExiledThe accusation, the empress behind it and what probably happened.History · timelineSeneca in Exile: Life on CorsicaEight years on a “barren rock,” and how they shaped the letters.HistorySeneca and Nero: The Philosopher Who Taught a TyrantThirteen years as Nero’s tutor and advisor, and how it ended.PeopleWho Was Lucilius? The Friend Behind the LettersThe man every letter was written to.MoneyWhat Happened to Seneca’s Billions?One of Rome’s richest men, and where his fortune went.
Stoic ideas
The big questions, and how Seneca answered them.
Philosophy · timelineWhat Is Virtue? Seneca vs. Aristotle, Plato and SocratesWhy the Stoics said virtue is the only true good.PhilosophyWho Was Epicurus? Why Seneca Kept Quoting His RivalThe rival philosopher behind so many of the early letters.Stoicism todayWhy Are Tech Bros Obsessed with Stoicism?What Seneca would actually tell the hustle crowd.
Living it today
Seneca’s advice for worry, time and everyday life.
Anger · practiceSeneca on Anger: 8 Ways to Cool DownHis book On Anger, boiled down to eight practical habits.AnxietySeneca on Anxiety: “We Suffer More in Imagination”His practical advice on groundless fears, from Letter 13.Time · quotesSeneca on Time: 12 QuotesHis best lines on time, and what they mean for your day.
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