Reviews

Dialogues and Letters by Lucius Annaeus Seneca

quill_notes_destiny's review against another edition

challenging dark hopeful informative inspiring reflective tense fast-paced

3.75

shalini_gunnasan's review

4.0

If nothing else, Seneca is a wonderfully opinionated man. He is really quite quotable, and many of his ideas smack of truth. I most enjoyed 'On Tranquility of Mind' to his friend Serenus. I did like the letter to his mother, and I agree with a lot of his opinions, but I was irritated a little too often by the blatant sexism. I know that's what it was like back then and in that country, but I'm still entitled to my reaction. It shocks me how little people's basic natures have changed between now and two thousand years ago. For example, when he speaks of the hedonism he witnesses, how much we still see it today; or when he speaks of people who travel the world in search of a better life; or the daredevils who do something very similar to white-water rafting on the Nile cataracts.
I digested this book very slowly, and it is worth coming back later on.

lyrabuttonn's review

seneca is philosphically fractured but god can he write these are some of the best essays/letters i have ever read

benrogerswpg's review

4.0

An amazing read.

Excellent knowledge and wisdom, even after nearly 2000 years.

Highly recommended.

Very accessible read too!

4.2/5

pizzamcpin3ppl3's review against another edition

hopeful inspiring reflective relaxing fast-paced

4.75

jennavdsteen's review against another edition

4.0

Stoicism is just really up my street. Recognising, accepting and moving past your emotions. Not being controlled by them, but realising you control them. And the only thing you can control is just that: yourself. To assume you can control anything or anyone else, be that another person, nature, events, even ageing, is a waste of your time.

And it is precisely why time is your only true valuable resource. It’s the one thing we have all been granted at birth. So spend your time wisely.