It is the month of December, and yet the city is at this very moment in a sweat. License is given to the general merrymaking. Everything resounds with mighty preparations, – as if the Saturnalia differed at all from the usual business day! So true it is that the difference is nil, that I regard […]
Letter 16: On Philosophy, the Guide of Life
It is clear to you, I am sure, Lucilius, That no man can live a happy life, or even a supportable life, without the study of wisdom. You know also that a happy life is reached when our wisdom is brought to completion, but that life is at least endurable even when our wisdom is […]
Letter 15: On Brawn and Brains
The old Romans had a custom which survived even into my lifetime. They would add to the opening words of a letter: “If you are well, it is well; I also am well.” Persons like ourselves would do well to say. “If you are studying philosophy, it is well.” For this is just what “being […]
Letter 14: On the Reasons for Withdrawing from the World
I confess that we all have an inborn affection for our body; I confess that we are entrusted with its guardianship. I do not maintain that the body is not to be indulged at all; but I maintain that we must not be slaves to it. He will have many masters who makes his body […]
Letter 13: On Groundless Fears
https://media.blubrry.com/littlebook/www.lettersfromastoic.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Letter_13_-_On_Groundless_Fears.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download | EmbedSubscribe: Email | RSSI know that you have plenty of spirit; for even before you began to equip yourself with maxims which were wholesome and potent to overcome obstacles, you were taking pride in your contest with Fortune; and this is all the more true, now that […]