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Why I am a Stoic
Seneca Why I am a Stoic (Penguin Archives) anglais ABISBOOK PENGUIN UK.
128 pages, Paperback
Published April 11, 2025
About the author
Seneca
2,844 books4,101 followersLucius 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
June 14, 2025
spitting bars i guess
I think we should bring back writing letters, i cannot imagine the excitement of receiving a letter from seneca, the guy’s pen was on fire.
I think we should bring back writing letters, i cannot imagine the excitement of receiving a letter from seneca, the guy’s pen was on fire.
June 6, 2025
Sometimes a single question is all it takes for you to feel less alone. Why Am I a Stoic? gathers fragments of Seneca’s thought, and though written centuries ago, many of his words landed with eerie relevance—as if they had been spoken into the very questions I’ve been quietly asking myself.
Seneca doesn’t lecture. He muses, reflects, admits, observes. He speaks about discomfort, doubt, stillness, and the tug-of-war between wanting to escape and needing to sit with yourself. Lines like “Rest is sometimes far from restful” and “What you’re needing is not to be in a different place but to be a different person” felt like someone gently placing a mirror in front of me—not to confront, but to understand.
There’s something grounding in how he writes of seemingly small things—eating, breathing, aging, time—and turns them into tender lessons on how to live more consciously. It reminded me that wisdom doesn’t have to come in grand gestures. Sometimes, it comes in a single sentence that feels like a truth you’ve known all along but couldn’t yet name.
Why Am I a Stoic? isn’t trying to change your life. But it might shift how you meet it—slowly, thoughtfully, and with a bit more honesty. And for me, that was more than enough.
Seneca doesn’t lecture. He muses, reflects, admits, observes. He speaks about discomfort, doubt, stillness, and the tug-of-war between wanting to escape and needing to sit with yourself. Lines like “Rest is sometimes far from restful” and “What you’re needing is not to be in a different place but to be a different person” felt like someone gently placing a mirror in front of me—not to confront, but to understand.
There’s something grounding in how he writes of seemingly small things—eating, breathing, aging, time—and turns them into tender lessons on how to live more consciously. It reminded me that wisdom doesn’t have to come in grand gestures. Sometimes, it comes in a single sentence that feels like a truth you’ve known all along but couldn’t yet name.
Why Am I a Stoic? isn’t trying to change your life. But it might shift how you meet it—slowly, thoughtfully, and with a bit more honesty. And for me, that was more than enough.
June 15, 2025
reaaaaally really like reading philosophy in epistolary form, makes the philosopher cut out all the bullshit and just get to the part you can actually apply to your way of living
April 7, 2026
This a refreshingly easy book on Philosophy to read. It's really a book on how to accept being a human being and all that means.
Seneca admits to having human foibles and weaknesses and even tells stories about himself that show he doesn't take himself too seriously. There's the story about how he takes a short boat ride across the sea, but the swell makes him feel seasick and he asks to be taken close to shore. Seneca jumps out of the boat and comes ashore thoroughly drenched.
Seneca admits to having human foibles and weaknesses and even tells stories about himself that show he doesn't take himself too seriously. There's the story about how he takes a short boat ride across the sea, but the swell makes him feel seasick and he asks to be taken close to shore. Seneca jumps out of the boat and comes ashore thoroughly drenched.
August 6, 2025
First subset of Seneca's letters I've read, all because it was one of the few English books I could find in Bordeaux. These letters contain advice to his friend Lucilius about how to deal with the troubles of life. From contemplating death, illness, and controlling one's desires and learning to live simply, we are called to account. Without turning to extensive and elaborate reasoning on a series of propositions to deduce philosophical insights, Seneca is speaking to us in a directly applicable form.
I leave you with some of the more profound lessons I take away, but I urge you to read it yourself.
Seneca criticises the idea that one can travel to escape the worries that weigh on him, perhaps applicable to those going abroad to 'find themselves' as would translate to today.
If we achieve this, then
So how do we change our character?
I leave you with some of the more profound lessons I take away, but I urge you to read it yourself.
Seneca criticises the idea that one can travel to escape the worries that weigh on him, perhaps applicable to those going abroad to 'find themselves' as would translate to today.
... whatever your destination you will be followed by your failings. Here is what Socrates said to someone who was making the same complaint: “How can you wonder your travels do you no good, when you carry yourself around with you? You are saddled with the very thing that drove you away." ... You must lay aside the burdens of the mind; until you do this, no place will satisfy you.
If we achieve this, then
Where you arrive does not matter so much as what sort of person you are when you arrive there. ... A change of character, not a change of air, is what you need.
So how do we change our character?
'A consciousness of wrongdoing is the first step to salvation.' You have to catch yourself doing it before you can reform. Some people boast about their failings: can you imagine someone who counts his faults as merits ever giving thought to their cure? So - to the best of your ability - demonstrate your own guilt, conduct inquiries of your own into all the evidence against yourself. Play the part first of prosecutor, then of judge, and finally of pleader in mitigation. Be harsh with yourself at times.
August 13, 2026
While I've encountered the Stoics here and there, I'd never spent much time with them. So I figured what better way to begin than with a small taste of Seneca.
Taken from a larger work, Why I Am a Stoic is a quick snapshot of some of his philosophical views.
Seneca had a lot to say, some quite valuable that stuck with me for days, others that felt a little pointed or even petty. But if you can wade through his personal grievances, he offers a lot in the way of philosophical thought in several areas of life including spirituality and love, much of which is still relevant today. And honestly, "sassy Seneca" had me wanting to drink the tea he was spilling.
Having Seneca's response letters without the letters he's responding to though, was a loss. As a reader, I'd have liked more context.
I do recommend to read with a discerning eye though. Some segments appear devoid of hope, even tipping into what one could view as OCD rumination and anxiety spirals. Yet on its upswing, sometimes in the same letter, Seneca offers a crystal clear view of presence of mind and heart.
I think committing to any singular philosophy is detrimental to growth. We are always learning (well, many of us, anyway), and being able to remain open to new wisdoms and insights gives us the best chance to be our best selves. The Stoics definitely have something valuable, and I'd like to hear more of what they have to say.
4.25 stars
Taken from a larger work, Why I Am a Stoic is a quick snapshot of some of his philosophical views.
Seneca had a lot to say, some quite valuable that stuck with me for days, others that felt a little pointed or even petty. But if you can wade through his personal grievances, he offers a lot in the way of philosophical thought in several areas of life including spirituality and love, much of which is still relevant today. And honestly, "sassy Seneca" had me wanting to drink the tea he was spilling.
Having Seneca's response letters without the letters he's responding to though, was a loss. As a reader, I'd have liked more context.
I do recommend to read with a discerning eye though. Some segments appear devoid of hope, even tipping into what one could view as OCD rumination and anxiety spirals. Yet on its upswing, sometimes in the same letter, Seneca offers a crystal clear view of presence of mind and heart.
I think committing to any singular philosophy is detrimental to growth. We are always learning (well, many of us, anyway), and being able to remain open to new wisdoms and insights gives us the best chance to be our best selves. The Stoics definitely have something valuable, and I'd like to hear more of what they have to say.
4.25 stars
March 8, 2026
De man was ziek, oud, z'n shit moest gerenoveerd worden. Maar hij was tevreden. Belangrijkste takeaway: je all-inclusive vakantie is niet de remedie tegen je mentale bagage (volgensmij is dit ook een SNL-skit?).
January 23, 2026
A must read. Unbelievably thought provoking!
January 30, 2026
I enjoyed this, while not as deep and thought provoking as the meditations it did get me thinking. I definitely found it a faster and lighter read than the meditations.
June 24, 2025
As cartas de Seneca resumem bem a grande maioria da filosofia estóica.
June 30, 2026
This was such an amazing book filled with anecdotes. Almost tabbed every pages in this book. A book that I might return often I guess. A recommended read for sure.
November 24, 2025
A range of wisdom covering different themes, with lots of timeless elements. Well compiled. Appreciated the referencing to expand my reading list too.
October 13, 2025
‘never hope without an element of despair, never despair without an element of hope’
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 7, 2025
This book is just Seneca spitting bar after bar. Probably changed the trajectory of my life if I’m being honest.
“if you wish to be loved, love.“
“if you wish to be loved, love.“
June 23, 2026
Finished on Wed, Jun 24th, 2026, at 00.43.
First of all... Wow. Amazing. Such a wonderful and insightful book. Seneca speaks to Lucilius (sometimes as though to me!) with such warm and endearing words. I will forever remember his words in my heart and will strive to become like him.
This book really changed my weak view of stoicism. Also, Seneca was so cute towards the latter half of the book!!! His love of Paulina as well as of Lucilius (of course in different ways) were really heartwarming to read and it comforts me that such a man does still have a warm heart.
Obviously a 5 star, because this not only made me rethink my fears and existence, it made me understand, it made me know things I didn't know before, concerning friends, death, fortune, and so much more. This is the must-read for anyone who had 3-4 hours free of their time to sit down and listen to a cute grandpa talk wisely.
Thank you!
First of all... Wow. Amazing. Such a wonderful and insightful book. Seneca speaks to Lucilius (sometimes as though to me!) with such warm and endearing words. I will forever remember his words in my heart and will strive to become like him.
This book really changed my weak view of stoicism. Also, Seneca was so cute towards the latter half of the book!!! His love of Paulina as well as of Lucilius (of course in different ways) were really heartwarming to read and it comforts me that such a man does still have a warm heart.
Obviously a 5 star, because this not only made me rethink my fears and existence, it made me understand, it made me know things I didn't know before, concerning friends, death, fortune, and so much more. This is the must-read for anyone who had 3-4 hours free of their time to sit down and listen to a cute grandpa talk wisely.
Thank you!
May 17, 2026
Concise letters with powerful messages about death, suffering, aging and living more consciously / in the present moment.
Favorite quotes:
“It is not the man who has too little, but the man who craves more, that is poor.”
“Sometimes even to live is an act of courage.”
“Sometimes rest is far from restful.”
“The mind that is anxious about future events is miserable.”
“What good does it do you to go overseas, to move from city to city? If you really want to escape the things that harass you, what you’re needing is not to be in a different place but to be a different person.”
“We are born unequal, we die equal.”
“A gem cannot be polished without friction, nor a man perfected without trials.”
Favorite quotes:
“It is not the man who has too little, but the man who craves more, that is poor.”
“Sometimes even to live is an act of courage.”
“Sometimes rest is far from restful.”
“The mind that is anxious about future events is miserable.”
“What good does it do you to go overseas, to move from city to city? If you really want to escape the things that harass you, what you’re needing is not to be in a different place but to be a different person.”
“We are born unequal, we die equal.”
“A gem cannot be polished without friction, nor a man perfected without trials.”
July 20, 2026
I really had to plow through the last few letters in this book...I was feeling uninspired. There were a few ones that really charmed me and resonated. Those being ´When the last hour comes´ and ´A retiring life not a spineless one.´ It's cool to read stuff this old and realize our fundamental qualms in life haven't changed much...
I read this because (1) I was interested in Stoicism as a philosophy and (2) was interested in what Seneca had to say about death...
It was certainly interesting (for a few letters) to better understand Stoicism, though I felt like it got quite repetitive as they went on. I think Seneca's thoughts on death (especially fear of death) were compelling to read and is what I enjoyed most about the letters!
I read this because (1) I was interested in Stoicism as a philosophy and (2) was interested in what Seneca had to say about death...
It was certainly interesting (for a few letters) to better understand Stoicism, though I felt like it got quite repetitive as they went on. I think Seneca's thoughts on death (especially fear of death) were compelling to read and is what I enjoyed most about the letters!
July 4, 2026
A quick philosophy read.
So many teachings and reminders of what I should keep in mind and continue working on.
Some reflections:
On aging: We should cherish old age and enjoy it. Fruit tastes sweetest when its season is ending.
On reading books: A multitude of books only gets in one’s way (guilty).
On having asthma: From now on, I’ll refer to my asthma as “rehearsing death”: sooner or later, the breath simply does what it has been trying to do all those times.
On dealing with death: If I can appreciate the beauty of leaves falling (and the charm it brings), why should I not also accept the passing of those I love as part of nature?
So many teachings and reminders of what I should keep in mind and continue working on.
Some reflections:
On aging: We should cherish old age and enjoy it. Fruit tastes sweetest when its season is ending.
On reading books: A multitude of books only gets in one’s way (guilty).
On having asthma: From now on, I’ll refer to my asthma as “rehearsing death”: sooner or later, the breath simply does what it has been trying to do all those times.
On dealing with death: If I can appreciate the beauty of leaves falling (and the charm it brings), why should I not also accept the passing of those I love as part of nature?
May 12, 2026
For someone who is deeply emotional, easily irritated, often sick, and horrified of dying, it was an insightful read. All the bits about traveling felt especially relevant at the end of my three month trip. "For those who are always traveling, you'll find hospitality everywhere, but true friends nowhere" really piqued my brain. I also liked that it is not traveling that changes or improves you, but your mindset. I don't think I'm anywhere near being a stoic (I really do enjoys the pleasures in life) but I think it's good to try being more steadfast in my thinking and daily mentalities.
July 26, 2026
Bought this in Rome. Lost it for a good week or two. Found it, and now here we are!
In writing a series of wise letters to his friend, Lucilius, Seneca unintentionally leaves us readers of today with what I would call a pocketbook guide for life. Seneca challenges the reader to face hardships head on, enjoy the present moment, make peace with oneself and so on! It’s as if he’s gently saying, “Get back up!” throughout the entirety of the book, and although you might not need to hear that now, having this on hand will most definitely be of benefit to you when you finally do.
In writing a series of wise letters to his friend, Lucilius, Seneca unintentionally leaves us readers of today with what I would call a pocketbook guide for life. Seneca challenges the reader to face hardships head on, enjoy the present moment, make peace with oneself and so on! It’s as if he’s gently saying, “Get back up!” throughout the entirety of the book, and although you might not need to hear that now, having this on hand will most definitely be of benefit to you when you finally do.
March 28, 2026
"Wherever I turn, I see evidence of my old age. I visited my country-house and complained of the money which was being spent on the building in its decay. My bailiff maintained that it was not a fault of his own neglect; 'he was doing everything he could, but the house was old.' Now this was the house which grew under my own hands! What has the future in store for me, if stones of my own age are already crumbling?"
October 22, 2025
I finished this a few hours ago and now the bittersweet feeling of finishing a great book hangs over me. This book was so full of wisdom, ebbing from every page, every line even.
It is a compass, a lighthouse, a friendly reminder, a stern warning.
Reminder to return to this book every year at least, and let Seneca be my mentor through the chaos and confusion of life.
It is a compass, a lighthouse, a friendly reminder, a stern warning.
Reminder to return to this book every year at least, and let Seneca be my mentor through the chaos and confusion of life.
January 2, 2026
Took far too long to read this considering it’s only small. I enjoyed it and it was great for the realisation that life hadn’t actually changed all too much since Seneca first wrote this. However, that also means there was nothing too revolutionary in here. It’s full of good advice that’s certainly still applicable in the modern day though
August 18, 2026
This was a quick and interesting read. It has been a while since I read any ancient philosophical text (probably Uni days) so it was nice to get into it again.
Some thought provoking moments and it’s scary are a lot of the themes here are still relevant today, still things we think and discuss even now.
Some thought provoking moments and it’s scary are a lot of the themes here are still relevant today, still things we think and discuss even now.
July 10, 2025
very succinct, profound and (surprisingly) funny read. he lays out his points and thoughts very plainly and clearly. not a big reader of philosophy, but took a lot away from this one - and considering checking out more of his work
November 2, 2025
Bought this in Rome on our honeymoon.
Felt like I was reading letters that Seneca had addressed to me. Funny in parts and never felt hard to get through. May have been written 2000 years ago but could've been yesterday.
Felt like I was reading letters that Seneca had addressed to me. Funny in parts and never felt hard to get through. May have been written 2000 years ago but could've been yesterday.
December 12, 2025
One of my favourites. Full of great quotes and lines to weave into everyday life. It was a great accompaniment during my travels in Colombia, one of my favourite quotes was: “Anyone entering our homes should admire us rather than our furnishings.”
April 6, 2026
"It is in no man's power to have whatever he wants; but he has it in his power not to wish for what he hasn't got, and cheerfully make the most of the things that do come his way."
I'd like to see a world where words like this dictate the common attitude of its citizens.
I'd like to see a world where words like this dictate the common attitude of its citizens.
August 9, 2026
Now I know where all the fortune cookie quotes come from. I would love to receive one of these letters, maybe I should start doing that too.
Funny how most things are equally applicable now, some things feel a bit sexist and outdated but it was ages ago so whatever
Funny how most things are equally applicable now, some things feel a bit sexist and outdated but it was ages ago so whatever
August 25, 2026
3.4 stars, realistically an all timer 1-2 combo of Fran and Lucy getting me 'Rejection' and this (Along with one other book I'm yet to read). Think there's some great tidbits of wisdom in there, nothing worth getting too excited about, it's alright like
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews