Letters from a Stoic by Seneca the Younger. Short summary

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A collection of 124 letters. In them the author tells his young friend Lucilius that reason exalts man above other creatures. One must love God and men, be stoic, and despise wealth.

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A collection of 124 letters written to the author’s young friend Lucilius in 62-65.

In these letters Seneca develops his moral philosophy. He argues that man’s superiority over other creatures lies in his dignity. And this, in turn, arises from a free spirit that rises above earthly goods and aspires to the gods. This free spirit can be found only in the wise man.

Therefore, the author advises Lucilius to strengthen and develop the mind. Earthly goods are transient, just as earthly pleasures are transient. One must live in virtue, renouncing luxury.

Seneca develops the idea of stoicism. The man who abstains from the temptations of the world is strengthened in virtue. He has a clear conscience and lives happily.