Audiobooks by Seneca The Younger

Of Consolation: To Marcia, To Helvia, To Polybius

These three ‘Consolations', written by Seneca to his mother and two friends, have been described as ‘the crowning achievement in the canon of ‘consolation letters'. But sentimental they are not, for they emerge from the writer's deep-seated commitment to Stoicism, where individuals are exhorted to inhabit qualities of virtue, positivity, resilience, and indifference. This recording opens with Seneca's consolatory letter to Marcia, who, after three years, was still mourning the death of her son. He recognises her exceptional personal qualities and what benefits she has brought to her family, having rescued her father's legacy as a historian following his death. He cites other noble Roman mothers who lost their sons, and enjoins her to adopt a more Stoic attitude of mind: we are all destined to die, he declares. The second letter is to his mother sent after he had been exiled to Corsica by Emperor Caligula. He counsels Helvia not to mourn his absence – not least because he himself does not feel grief at the prospect of his own exile. He acknowledges the trials of his mother during her life, remarking ‘ill-fortune has given you no respite'. But her grief at the absence of her son may be put to one side in the knowledge that as he has ‘never trusted in Fortune,' she can be comforted that her son is not discommoded. And history points to far harsher separations. The final letter is to Polybius, Emperor Claudius's Literary Secretary, who was mourning his brother. Written while in exile, Seneca's unwavering commitment to Stoic philosophy is again in evidence. One of Seneca's principal suggestions is for Polybius to distract himself from grief by an increasing involvement in work. These ‘Consolations' have been widely admired from Classical times to the present, but are periodically questioned for their emphasis on a somewhat detached approach to grief and bereavement. Not all can manage imperturbability in such circumstances. Nevertheless, there is a steadiness and emotional calm in these missives, which Seneca himself displayed when ordered to commit suicide by Emperor Nero.

Seneca The Younger (Author), Mike Rogers (Narrator)

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700 Quotations from Ancient Philosophy

Plato, Aristotle, Marcus Aurelius, and Cicero are some of the famous names whose wit and wisdom are included in this audiobook, ‘700 Quotations from Ancient Philosophy’. This group of Greek philosophers, Roman Statesmen and Emperors is responsible for some of the world's best-known quotes, including 'It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.' and 'Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle.' Their wit and wisdom continue to inspire, educate, and entertain to this day thus making this collection ideal for those needing some philosophical guidance. - Plato, Aristotle, Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, Cicero, Seneca the Younger, and Heraclitus are among histories most famous soldiers, politicians, poets, writers and philosophers. The Ancient Greek philosopher, Plato (c.428-347 B.C.) is one of the most influential figures in the entire history of Western thought. Aristotle (384–322 BC) was a Greek philosopher whose works shaped centuries of philosophy. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest philosophers of all time. Seneca the Younger (c. 4 BC – 65 AD), usually known as Seneca, was a philosopher, statesman, and dramatist from Ancient Rome. Marcus Aurelius Antoninus (121 – 180) was a philosopher and Emperor of the Roman empire.

Aristotle, Cicero, Epictetus, Heraclitus, Marcus Aurelius, Plato, Seneca The Younger (Author), Brad Carty (Narrator)

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100 Quotes by Seneca the Younger

‘100 Quotes by Seneca the Younger’ is a collection of reflections from one of the most forward-thinking philosophers of his time. A confirmed follower of Stoicism, many of his thoughts focus on the value of perception, understanding, and self-knowledge. A superb read, packed with quotable lines that are timeless in their insights and proposals. If you enjoyed Ryan Holiday's 'The Obstacle Is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph', this collection will give you some excellent insights into the ancient Greek school of philosophy that inspired the bestselling cult classic. - Born in Spain, Seneca the Younger (4BC – 65AD) was raised and educated in Rome. The middle child of a Roman aristocrat, he was schooled in the typical subjects, including literature, rhetoric, and philosophy. A sickly child, who suffered from breathing difficulties, Seneca was set to live with his aunt in Egypt, to recuperate. On his return, he became part of the Roman Senate and was praised for his oratorical skills. However, the emperor, Caligula, took umbrage at this and Seneca narrowly avoided execution. He had his second brush with capital punishment under the emperor, Claudius, who accused him of having an affair with his wife. Instead, he was exiled to Corsica for eight years. During his lifetime, Seneca wrote countless philosophical papers and 10 plays, including ‘The Madness of Hercules,’ and ‘Medea,’ many of which are still performed today.

Seneca The Younger (Author), Brad Carty (Narrator)

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400 Quotations from Ancient Roman Philosophers

‘400 Quotations from Ancient Roman Philosophers’ is a collection of quotes from Ancient Rome’s greatest philosophers, whose unparalleled wit and wisdom still resonate today. This carefully crafted compilation includes the great minds of Marcus Aurelius, Epictetus, Cicero, and Seneca the Younger, and is guaranteed to educate and entertain. ‘400 Quotations from Ancient Roman Philosophers’ is ideal for those needing a bit of extra philosophical guidance. - Marcus Aurelius (121–180) was a Roman emperor and philosopher. He was the last emperor of the Pax Romana. Epictetus (50-135 AD) was a Greek philosopher who was renowned for his teachings about determinism and moral responsibility. Cicero (106-43 BC) was a Roman statesman, scholar and philosopher and he is considered one of Rome's greatest orators. Seneca the Younger (4 BC–65 AD) was a Roman philosopher, statesman and dramatist. As a writer, he is best known for plays such as ‘Medea’, ‘Thyestes’, and ‘Phaedra’.

Cicero, Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, Seneca The Younger (Author), Brad Carty (Narrator)

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300 Quotations from the Stoic Philosophers

‘300 Quotations from the Stoic Philosophers’ is a collection of insightful, educational, and inspiring quotes from some of the greatest ever Stoic philosophers, such as Epictetus, Seneca the Younger, and Marcus Aurelius. Founded in Athens in the 3rd century BC, Stoicism is a school of philosophy which centres around the belief that the practice of virtue is both necessary and sufficient to achieve happiness. Stoicism remains an important and influential school of thought, thus making this collection highly relevant for people who need some extra philosophical guidance. - Marcus Aurelius (121–180) was a Roman philosopher and the last emperor of the Pax Romana, the golden age of Roman peace and imperialism. Epictetus (50-135 AD), was an Ancient Greek philosopher born into slavery. Seneca the Younger (4 BC – 65 AD) was a Roman philosopher, statesman, and dramatist. As a writer, he is best known for plays such as ‘Medea’, ‘Thyestes’, and ‘Phaedra’.

Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, Seneca The Younger (Author), Brad Carty (Narrator)

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On Anger, on Leisure, on Clemency: Essays, Volume 2

'On Anger' is one of Seneca's most important essays. At some length he investigates the nature of anger: how and why it emerges, the effect it has on the individual and those to whom it is directed, and how to manage it and prevent it even from arising. For, Seneca considers, anger simply serves no purpose - it does not bring courage in war, prevent others misbehaving or punish miscreants. In short it has a negative effect on all. In 'On Leisure' he takes a short look at what is really meant by the term. 'On Clemency' has a special fascination, for in writing it he was addressing specifically his former pupil, Emperor Nero. Did he realise that the boy he knew - full of promise and beneficence - was to become a tyrant? While delivering his Stoic advice in his characteristically controlled and reasonable manner, Seneca gives us a remarkably contemporary insight into Roman attitudes and manners. Anger may be inappropriate, but this was a society where slaves, torture, crucifixion, and the right of the powerful to exercise their power at will was taken for granted, as some of Seneca's shocking tales and anecdotes demonstrate!

Seneca The Younger (Author), James Cameron Stewart (Narrator)

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On the Shortness of Life, On the Happy Life, and Other Essays: Essays, Volume 1

As former tutor and adviser to Emperor Nero, philosopher and statesman Seneca was acutely aware of how short life can be - his own life was cut short when the emperor ordered him to commit suicide (for alleged involvement in a conspiracy). And Seneca proved true to his words - his lifelong avowal to Stoicism enabled him to conduct himself with dignity to the end. During his rich and busy life, Seneca wrote a series of essays that have advised and enriched the lives of generations down to the present day. This collection contains five of the key essays - 'On the Shortness of Life', 'On the Happy Life', 'On the Tranquil Mind', 'On Providence' and 'On the Firmness of the Wise Person' - and they are replete with observations to remember. 'Those who forget the past, neglect the present, and fear for the future have a life that is very brief and troubled,' Seneca warns. 'You have all the fears of mortals and all the desires of immortals.' 'As long as we wander at random, not following any guide except the shouts and discordant clamours of those who invite us to proceed in different directions, our short life will be wasted in useless roamings.' Clarity, steadfastness and true enjoyment are his watchwords.

Seneca The Younger (Author), James Cameron Stewart (Narrator)

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The Moral Epistles: 124 Letters to Lucilius

Towards the end of his life, Seneca the Younger (c4 BCE-65 CE) began a correspondence with a friend in Sicily, later collected under the title The Moral Epistles. In these 124 letters, Seneca expresses, in a wise, steady and calm manner, the philosophy by which he lived - derived essentially from the Stoics. The letters deal with a variety of specific topics - often eminently practical - such as 'On Saving Time', 'On the Terrors of Death', 'On True and False Friendships', 'On Brawn and Brains' and 'On Old Age and Death'. His views are as relevant to us today as in his own time. He remarks on how we waste our time through lack of clarity of purpose, how we jump from one attraction to another and how fleeting life is. But these are letters to a friend, so the tone is not grandly didactic but friendly, personal and direct and speak to us across the centuries. Though not so well known as Marcus Aurelius' Meditations, The Moral Epistles are approachable, memorable and immensely rich in content - and especially so in this sympathetic reading by James Cameron Stewart. Translation Richard Gummere.

Seneca The Younger (Author), James Cameron Stewart (Narrator)

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