Letters from a Stoic: Volume 2 Paperback – July 6, 2017

The product includes all of the letters and is of great quality, but BOY IS IT HUGE. The print and overall size of the book are much larger than what makes sense for this type of book. Unless, you have bad eyesight or really like oversized books do not buy this cumbersome product. I don’t even think that paperbacks should be printed this large as the entire book get warped whenever you pick it up, making it awkward to hold. You almost have to lay it in your lap or on a desk.

Simple practical wisdom to help you navigate chaotic life. There are so many jewels in this book that I've probably highland more things than I have not. I simply cannot recall the last work of literature that turned on as many lightbulbs for me except perhaps the bible when I first read it. This wisdom though transcends religion in my humble opinion. A must read, but I warn you; the wisdom and enlightenment you gain from reading Seneca's letters will only further estrange you form your dumb friends. They won't get it or your interest in it, and as they continue to fumble about in the dark, the sweetness of your metaphysical ascension will mingle with some bitterness for their blindness.4 Year Update. Still reading, still learning. ''You must linger among a limited number of master-thinkers, and digest their works, if you would derive ideas which shall win firm hold in your mind". That being said, you must consider the times this work was written in and the problems it was meant to address. While much of it is, not every single thing is transferable to modern day. There is also somewhat of a snobby haughtiness to Seneca that will eventually dawn on one, particularly when ones realizes that amidst all his talk of austerity, Seneca was fabulously rich.

This book, containing all of Seneca’s extant letters on moral philosophy, is the greatest and most influential moral philosophy lessons I have ever come across. Whenever I feel down, I always consult this masterpiece for its sage lessons on dealing with adversity, the endurance of pain, and much more. It is without equal. The publishers of this book, Vigeo Press, have also down an absolutely masterful job in putting out a superbly high quality text with great durability, all for an unbeatable price which puts the competition to shame I feel. This book gets beyond a 5-star rating in every category.

There are certain books about Stoicism that are classics. This is one of them. There are 124 letters in total from Seneca to Lucilius (possibly a fictional recipient). Seneca served as tutor to Nero, worked as a lawyer, suffered a banishment, and death of a son. His life, in other words, was eventful. These letters were written near the end of it.There is no order to the letters, but in the course of them Seneca touches on a wide range of topics and gives advice about seemingly every aspect of life. The other philosophical writings of Seneca are essays that focus on one topic, such as consolation or anger. They are rougher reading because he belabors his arguments in ways that in many cases are no longer interesting. The letters are shorter and lighter, as well as more wide ranging. They show Seneca at his best.These letters are some of the finest pieces of ethical thought to survive from ancient times. The fact that they are not better known and widely read is a tragedy. This should be considered a "desert island" book by civilized people.

One of the best pragmatic books out there on the usefulness of philosophy and its positive impacts on any person's character, regardless of one's material status in society. I deeply admire Seneca's sayings, precisely because he seemed to have tried his best to live according to what philosophy dictates; namely that we be logical as well as humane , strong as well as sensible, courageous, brave and cautious not out of fear but because one has impartially investigated any given issue and reason has dictated the right course.This book and stoicism in general appeal to me immeasurably because the sense of community, hospitality and genuine kindness toward others is a unique African cultural practice. Perhaps this is what Africa can offer the world : Its humanity, humility and patience, despite the wars and diseases and sufferings. May we be all be blessed with sound minds,healthy souls and bodies as Seneca will be inclined to say. I highly recommend this book!

Regarding The Letters Of A Stoic:1. The translation is very good.2. All 124 letters extent are included, unlike most other versions, including the Penguin Classic.3. The price I purchased it, less than $9.00, was a great bargain.Only 1 complaint.4. The format of the physical book is OVERSIZED which is cumbersome to read. (I've not checked, I may have overlooked the book dimensions in the book description prior to ordering).I would still recommend this book- just be aware that it's a BIG BOOK.

Overall a good work of philosophy. But, it's also outdated. Many parts are sexist, homophobic, or speciesist. Seneca will talk about men 'acting womanly,' or about the difference between men and 'dumb animals.' I'm sure some of this could be attributed to the translation, but not all of it. But it is 2000 years old. I prefer Meditations by Aurelius to this but it's still good.

Excellent ideas in this book. One might say well, ideas in the book are obvious and well known. I can only say yes, they are. But how many of us do remind and live them in our daily life? How would world look like if we would live them day by day? Seneca was a wise man and the book is full of great thoughts.What I also like about the book is, that is is divided into short letters, so it is easy to read, e.g. one letter a day. Therefore it's easy to read it just for 10 minutes a day and still have a benefit of it.For the price of Kindle edition, it is a diamond for peanuts :).

His letters are an insight of how life was so similar in attitude and outlook as modern times. People never change

Love those letters. A very enjoyable read and great insights or reminders. Sometimes I find myself in awe they were written so long ago, as they seem to address what would seem like modern life problems. Which just goes to show that human nature is essentially the same regardless of place and time. And that the wisdom, for some reason, is rarely utilised although easily accessible. (I guess perhaps because not many know it's there and has been there for many, many years. The wisdom is common sense, but by no means banal or conventional.)

This book is incredible. How can something that was written 50 AD be so relevant to a 30 something year old professional today? How can it offer a real relief and pleasure to the soul. It is written in an easy to understand language and talks about universal concepts. I hope you get this book and enjoy it as much as me.

Love it. Soothing thoughts and virtuous advice good for when on the bus stuck in traffic, He does sound a bit like my great Grandma.

This is a nice new edition of Seneca’s Letters, with all three volumes in one book. Great value.