Of Consolation: To Marcia

by Seneca, Aubrey Stewart (Translator)

DID I not know, Marcia, that you have as little of a woman's weakness of mind as of her other vices, and that your life was regarded as a pattern of antique virtue, I should not have dared to combat your grief, which is one that many men fondly nurse and embrace, nor should I have conceived the hope of persuading you to hold fortune blameless, having to plead for her at such an unfavorable time, before so partial a judge, and against such an odious charge. I derive confidence, however, from the proved strength of your mind, and your virtue, which has been proved by a severe test. All men know how well you behaved towards your father, whom you loved as dearly as your children in all respects, save that you did not wish him to survive indeed, for all that I know you may have wished that for great affection ventures to break some of the golden rules of life. You did all that lay in your power to avert the death of your father, Aulus Cremutius Cordus.

This edition
- A complete biography of Lucius Annaeus Seneca
- Table of contents with directs links to chapters.

Genres: Philosophy, Nonfiction, Classics, Psychology

61 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 40

About the author

Lucius Annaeus Seneca (often known simply as Seneca or Seneca the Younger); ca. 4 BC – 65 AD) was a Roman Stoic philosopher, statesman, and dramatist of the Silver Age of Latin literature. He was tutor and later advisor to emperor Nero, who later forced him to commit suicide for alleged complicity in the Pisonian conspiracy to have him assassinated.

Reviews

[Emi · Rating 3 out of 5]

okay.. his takes aren't bad- BUT sending a 60 page "get over it" ad for stoicism after this woman loses her child is a little... how would you say... tone deaf?!

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comforting.

[Truls Ljungström · Rating 3 out of 5]

samtal om förlust och döden. Huvudpoängen är att det är svårt att hantera förlust, om man inte vänjer sinnet vid att förlusten är en potentiell risk; allt vi kan förutse är trots allt mindre skrämmande.

[Vignesh Sahadevan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book focuses on guiding individuals through the process of recovering from the grief associated with losing a loved one.

The significance of the final chapter is underscored by its opening line, "Imagine then, Marcia...." This chapter contains a letter from Seneca to Marcia, offering words that her father wishes to convey to her.

For those seeking to support someone in mourning, sharing the letter from this pivotal chapter is recommended, as it encapsulates heartfelt sentiments and meaningful guidance.

[Liva]

Seneca makes some good points, however sending a super long letter to a woman who lost her son with "you are mortal, so was your son, idk what else you expected so just get over it" as the essence is crazy. From a philosophical and historical standpoint this was a fascinating view that really encapsulates some of the main points of stoicism, but from a personal standpoint: if I was Marcia I would think this man was obnoxious and annoying.

[Gianfranco Nerdi · Rating 3 out of 5]

La Consolazione a Marcia. Contiene qualche spunto interessante di cui ora non ho il tempo di parlare (spero di farlo in futuro) qui, ma si attesta sulla sufficienza come molti altri scritti di Seneca.

[Vafa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lot of wisdom in this book, about life and death

[Doaa Taiseer · Rating 2 out of 5]

بالعربية.

[Laura Maffei · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riflessione filosofica sulla morte e sul dolore che essa causa ai familiari. L'ho trovata super interessante e utile. Seneca è davvero attuale e geniale. L'ho adorato!

[Anto ✨]

El señor dijo que iba a ser duro y lo fue

[Luis Hernandes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A morte não deve ser temida e nem lamentada!