Letters on Ethics

This book is a compilation of letters that Seneca wrote to his friend Lucilius, presenting his moral philosophy and reflections on life.

The letters include vivid descriptions of town and country life in Nero’s Italy, discussions on poetry and oratory, and philosophical training.

Seneca uses the informal format of the letter to present the central ideas of Stoicism, emphasizing virtues like courage, justice, wisdom, and self-control.

The letters offer advice on dealing with everyday issues such as nosy neighbors, sickness, pain, and death, and advocate for living in accordance with Nature and accepting fate.

This edition, translated by Margaret Graver and A. A. Long, is the first complete English translation in nearly a century and includes an introduction and explanatory notes.