MY RATING
☆☆☆☆

SYNOPSIS

 

 

The Stoic writings of the philosopher Seneca offer powerful insights into the art of living, the importance of reason and morality, and continue to provide profound guidance to many through their eloquence, lucidity and timeless wisdom.

Throughout history, some books have changed the world. They have transformed the way we see ourselves—and each other. They have inspired debate, dissent, war and revolution. They have enlightened, outraged, provoked and comforted. They have enriched lives—and destroyed them.

Now, Penguin brings you the works of the great thinkers, pioneers, radicals and visionaries whose ideas shook civilization, and helped make us who we are. Penguin’s Great Ideas series features twelve groundbreaking works by some of history’s most prodigious thinkers, and each volume is beautifully packaged with a unique type-drive design that highlights the bookmaker’s art. Offering great literature in great packages at great prices, this series is ideal for those readers who want to explore and savor the Great Ideas that have shaped the world.

MY REVIEW

I’ve recently found myself particularly interested in Stoic philosophy. This little book was my first formal step to approach the subject.

The book in itself is quite short, but it is PACKED with nuggets of wisdom. I mean, every other sentence could be used as a quote.

I will take my sweet time dissecting and absorbing its timeless wisdom.

A couple of passages stuck with me:

“They lose the day in expectation of the night, and the night in fear of the dawn.”

Yep, I can relate.

“The part of life we really live is small. For all the rest of existence is not life, but merely time.”

Living for the weekends…

“You act like mortals in all that you fear, and like immortals in all that you desire.”

I know I said a couple, but I couldn’t help it.
Talking about evergreen content, wow!

And here’s one last bit of gold:

“The greatest obstacle to living is expectancy, which hangs upon tomorrow and loses today… The whole future lies in uncertainty: live immediately.”

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