Seneca
Also known as Seneca the Younger, Lucius Annaeus Seneca
Stoic philosopher, statesman and dramatist of ancient Rome (c. 4 BC – AD 65); adviser to Nero.
At a glance
Main ideas
Philosophy as a balm, Facing death, Use of wealth …
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Letters to Lucilius, On the Shortness of Life, On Anger …
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Nero and On Benefits
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Also on this page: Key facts · Links · Sources · Related pages
- Seneca was a Stoic philosopher, statesman and dramatist, born in Corduba in Hispania.
- Exiled to Corsica under Claudius in AD 41, he was recalled in 49 to tutor the young Nero.
- When Nero became emperor in 54, Seneca and the prefect Burrus advised him and gave competent government for the first five years.
- His influence declined after Burrus died in 62.
- In 65 Nero ordered him to kill himself over the Pisonian conspiracy, in which he may have had no part.
Why it matters
- His 12 essays and 124 letters on moral questions are one of the most important bodies of primary material for ancient Stoicism, and they are still widely read for their accessible style.
Key facts
- Born
- c. 4 BC, Colonia Patricia Corduba, Hispania1
- Died
- AD 65, by forced suicide ordered by Nero1
- Family
- Son of Seneca the Elder; uncle of the poet Lucan1
- Exile
- On Corsica from AD 41 to 49, under Claudius1
- Adviser to Nero
- From AD 54 to 62, with the praetorian prefect Sextus Afranius Burrus1
- Consul
- Suffect consul in AD 561
- Spouse
- Pompeia Paulina1
- Writings
- 12 essays, 124 letters, tragedies including Medea, Thyestes and Phaedra, and the satire Apocolocyntosis1
Main ideas
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Philosophy as a balm1
Philosophy heals the wounds of life; destructive passions such as anger and grief must be uprooted or moderated by reason.
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Facing death1
It is important to confront one's own mortality and be able to face death.
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Use of wealth1
One must be willing to practise poverty and to use wealth properly.
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Benefiting others1
He wrote on favours, clemency, friendship and the need to benefit others.
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The shortness of life1
Any length of life is enough if it is lived wisely.
Books to start with
Connections
Related
- NeroTutored him from AD 49 and advised him as emperor from 54 to 62
Writes
Links
Sources
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