On the Shortness of Life, On the Happy Life, and Other Essays

Essays, Volume 1

By: Seneca

Narrated by: James Cameron Stewart

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.

Public Domain (P)2016 Ukemi Productions Ltd

For The Sensitive and Those Who Want to Gain Wisdom

Not only is this book to gain wisdom and how to live a better life. This book is for anyone or Everyone who feels rejected, talked about, insulted, small, or otherwise injured. Next to the New Testament and Jesus’ words. This book is Gold’

Wisdom for All Ages

There is so much timeless wisdom in these essays that one reading is not enough to fully absorb and appreciate it. What Seneca says is as applicable today as it was in his time. Each time you read them, you recall something or notice something else that makes you think. Revisiting these essays is like catching up with a mentor or old friend, going back to the basics and remembering what’s important.

This is a way of being.

WARNING: This title might make you a better human.

This world would be greatly improved if the words of Seneca reached adolescent minds more readily. If you want to know what I mean, you only need to listen. Not pass the time with it in the background, but listen and absorb the lessons within this title and his many other writings. The narrator is five star, as is the content.

Seneca and James Cameron Stewart both excellent!

A good selection of Seneca's Essays and Dialogs; it's especially nice to have On The Firmness of the Wise Man included, since it is not widely available in print.

My favorite book by far

It is a timeless book, and Seneca a timeless man. This was read extremely well as usual.