In The Stoic Philosophy of Seneca, representative selections from
Seneca's writings offer the reader an excellent introduction to the
range of his work.
The selections are drawn from the essays, or dialogues, and the
Consolations; from the treatises, of which On Clemency, addressed to the
young Nero, is included here; and from the Letters to Lucilius, which
have to do not only with philosophical subjects but also with Seneca's
personal experiences, such as journeys and visits.
Moses Hadas has selected letters and essays which reveal Seneca's major
philosophical themes--the relationship of the individual to society and
to the gods; the meaning of pain and misfortune; man's attitudes to
change, time, and death; and the nature of the highest good and of the
happy life. In his Introduction, Professor Hadas discusses Seneca's life
and work, tracing the history of his reputation; comments on Seneca's
style; and outlines the origins and tenets of Stoicism.