On the Shortness of Life, On the Happy Life, and Other Essays
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On Anger, on Leisure, on Clemency
- Essays, Volume 2
- By: Seneca
- Narrated by: James Cameron Stewart
- Length: 6 hrs and 35 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall5 out of 5 stars 78
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 68
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'On Anger' is one of Seneca's most important essays. At some length he investigates the nature of anger: how and why it emerges, the effect it has on the individual and those to whom it is directed, and how to manage it and prevent it even from arising. For, Seneca considers, anger simply serves no purpose - it does not bring courage in war, prevent others misbehaving or punish miscreants. In short it has a negative effect on all. In 'On Leisure' he takes a short look at what is really meant by the term.
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4 out of 5 stars
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Stewart's narrations are very good
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The Moral Epistles
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- Narrated by: James Cameron Stewart
- Length: 23 hrs and 18 mins
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Towards the end of his life, Seneca the Younger (c4 BCE-65 CE) began a correspondence with a friend in Sicily, later collected under the title The Moral Epistles. In these 124 letters, Seneca expresses, in a wise, steady and calm manner, the philosophy by which he lived - derived essentially from the Stoics. The letters deal with a variety of specific topics - often eminently practical - such as 'On Saving Time', 'On the Terrors of Death', 'On True and False Friendships', 'On Brawn and Brains' and 'On Old Age and Death'.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Outstanding!
- By zen cowboy on 01-31-16
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The Enchiridion & Discourses
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The Enchiridion is the famous manual of ethical advice given in the second century by the Stoic philosopher Epictetus. Born to a Greek slave, Epictetus grew up in the environment of the Roman Empire and, having been released from bonds of slavery, became a stoic in the tradition of its originators, Zeno (third Century BCE) and Seneca (first century CE).
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5 out of 5 stars
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Inspiration from thousands of years ago
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Letters from a Stoic
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Seeing self-possession as the key to an existence lived 'in accordance with nature', the Stoic philosophy called for the restraint of animal instincts and the importance of upright ethical ideals and virtuous living. Seneca's writings are a profound, powerfully moving and inspiring declaration of the dignity of the individual mind.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Great example should be followed
- By Mr D. on 01-28-20
By: Seneca
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Epicurus of Samos: His Philosophy and Life
- All the Principal Source Texts
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- Length: 6 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall5 out of 5 stars 4
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Epicurus of Samos (341-270 BCE) was the founder of the philosophical system to which he gave his name: Epicureanism. It is a label that is often misused and misunderstood today, with ‘a life of pleasure’ as the key aim misinterpreted as a life of indulgence. In fact, the philosophy of Epicurus demonstrated also by his life, was anything but! He established a school in Athens called The Garden, underpinned by his system of ethics.
By: Epicurus, and others
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The Practicing Stoic
- By: Ward Farnsworth
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- Length: 9 hrs and 57 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall5 out of 5 stars 759
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The great insights of the Stoics are spread over a wide range of ancient sources. This book brings them all together for the first time. It systematically presents what the various Stoic philosophers said on every important topic, accompanied by an eloquent commentary that is clear and concise. The result is a set of philosophy lessons for everyone - the most valuable wisdom of ages past made available for our times, and for all time.
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5 out of 5 stars
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A comprehensive guide to stoicism. Mind altering. Life changing
- By J'oli on 03-26-19
By: Ward Farnsworth
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On Anger, on Leisure, on Clemency
- Essays, Volume 2
- By: Seneca
- Narrated by: James Cameron Stewart
- Length: 6 hrs and 35 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 78
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 68
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 66
'On Anger' is one of Seneca's most important essays. At some length he investigates the nature of anger: how and why it emerges, the effect it has on the individual and those to whom it is directed, and how to manage it and prevent it even from arising. For, Seneca considers, anger simply serves no purpose - it does not bring courage in war, prevent others misbehaving or punish miscreants. In short it has a negative effect on all. In 'On Leisure' he takes a short look at what is really meant by the term.
-
4 out of 5 stars
-
Stewart's narrations are very good
- By Ron Peters on 01-05-18
By: Seneca
-
The Moral Epistles
- 124 Letters to Lucilius
- By: Seneca the Younger
- Narrated by: James Cameron Stewart
- Length: 23 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 210
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 176
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 172
Towards the end of his life, Seneca the Younger (c4 BCE-65 CE) began a correspondence with a friend in Sicily, later collected under the title The Moral Epistles. In these 124 letters, Seneca expresses, in a wise, steady and calm manner, the philosophy by which he lived - derived essentially from the Stoics. The letters deal with a variety of specific topics - often eminently practical - such as 'On Saving Time', 'On the Terrors of Death', 'On True and False Friendships', 'On Brawn and Brains' and 'On Old Age and Death'.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Outstanding!
- By zen cowboy on 01-31-16
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The Enchiridion & Discourses
- By: Epictetus
- Narrated by: Haward B. Morse
- Length: 13 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 350
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 309
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 305
The Enchiridion is the famous manual of ethical advice given in the second century by the Stoic philosopher Epictetus. Born to a Greek slave, Epictetus grew up in the environment of the Roman Empire and, having been released from bonds of slavery, became a stoic in the tradition of its originators, Zeno (third Century BCE) and Seneca (first century CE).
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Inspiration from thousands of years ago
- By Jose on 07-30-17
By: Epictetus
-
Letters from a Stoic
- Penguin Classics
- By: Seneca
- Narrated by: Julian Glover
- Length: 7 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 84
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 68
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 67
Seeing self-possession as the key to an existence lived 'in accordance with nature', the Stoic philosophy called for the restraint of animal instincts and the importance of upright ethical ideals and virtuous living. Seneca's writings are a profound, powerfully moving and inspiring declaration of the dignity of the individual mind.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Great example should be followed
- By Mr D. on 01-28-20
By: Seneca
-
Epicurus of Samos: His Philosophy and Life
- All the Principal Source Texts
- By: Epicurus, Crespo
- Narrated by: James Gillies, Jonathan Booth
- Length: 6 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 4
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 4
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 4
Epicurus of Samos (341-270 BCE) was the founder of the philosophical system to which he gave his name: Epicureanism. It is a label that is often misused and misunderstood today, with ‘a life of pleasure’ as the key aim misinterpreted as a life of indulgence. In fact, the philosophy of Epicurus demonstrated also by his life, was anything but! He established a school in Athens called The Garden, underpinned by his system of ethics.
By: Epicurus, and others
-
The Practicing Stoic
- By: Ward Farnsworth
- Narrated by: John Lescault
- Length: 9 hrs and 57 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 759
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars 655
-
Story5 out of 5 stars 644
The great insights of the Stoics are spread over a wide range of ancient sources. This book brings them all together for the first time. It systematically presents what the various Stoic philosophers said on every important topic, accompanied by an eloquent commentary that is clear and concise. The result is a set of philosophy lessons for everyone - the most valuable wisdom of ages past made available for our times, and for all time.
-
5 out of 5 stars
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A comprehensive guide to stoicism. Mind altering. Life changing
- By J'oli on 03-26-19
By: Ward Farnsworth
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Letters from a Stoic: Complete (Letters 1 - 124) Adapted for the Contemporary Reader (Seneca)
- By: Lucius Seneca, James Harris
- Narrated by: Greg Douras
- Length: 16 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 58
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Performance4 out of 5 stars 55
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 53
The Epistulae morales ad Lucilium (Latin for moral letters to Lucilius) are a collection of 124 letters which were written by Seneca at the end of his life, during his retirement, and after he had worked for the Emperor Nero for 15 years. They are addressed to Lucilius, the then procurator of Sicily. The letters highlight many moral and ethical ways to live and address many of the issues known to man about life and death. These letters have been carefully adapted into a contemporary format to allow for easy listening and understanding.
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4 out of 5 stars
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Wisdom across time.
- By cosmitron on 03-21-18
By: Lucius Seneca, and others
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Meditations
- By: Marcus Aurelius, George Long - translator, Duncan Steen - translator
- Narrated by: Duncan Steen
- Length: 5 hrs and 9 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 6,480
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 5,643
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 5,572
One of the most significant books ever written by a head of state, the Meditations are a collection of philosophical thoughts by the Emperor Marcus Aurelius (121 - 180 ce). Covering issues such as duty, forgiveness, brotherhood, strength in adversity and the best way to approach life and death, the Meditations have inspired thinkers, poets and politicians since their first publication more than 500 years ago. Today, the book stands as one of the great guides and companions - a cornerstone of Western thought.
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5 out of 5 stars
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This is a masterpiece. Most enriching. So thankful for it.
- By Viviana on 02-05-16
By: Marcus Aurelius, and others
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On the Shortness of Life
- By: Lucius Seneca
- Narrated by: Clint Arthur
- Length: 1 hr and 13 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 539
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 457
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The majority of mortals, Paulinus, complain bitterly of the spitefulness of Nature, because we are born for a brief span of life, because even this space that has been granted to us rushes by so speedily and so swiftly that all save a very few find life at an end just when they are getting ready to live. Nor is it merely the common herd and the unthinking crowd that bemoan what is, as men deem it, an universal ill; the same feeling has called forth complaint also from men who were famous.
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4 out of 5 stars
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Excellent short read on the shortness of life!
- By Amazon Customer on 11-19-15
By: Lucius Seneca
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The Manual
- A Philosopher's Guide to Life
- By: Epictetus, Ancient Renewal, Sam Torode
- Narrated by: Sam Torode
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- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 695
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Epictetus (c. AD 50-135) was a former Roman slave (he was also lame in one leg, and walked with a crutch) who went on to become a great teacher. His philosophy, Stoicism, was practical, not theoretical - aimed at relieving human suffering here and now. The Manual is a collection of Epictetus' essential teachings and pithy sayings, compiled by one of his students.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Best book to live by.
- By Amazon Customer on 09-05-18
By: Epictetus, and others
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On the Ends of Good and Evil
- By: Marcus Tullius Cicero
- Narrated by: Derek Le Page
- Length: 9 hrs and 8 mins
- Unabridged
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 30
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Towards the end of his life and his career as one of the leading politicians and orators in Rome, Marcus Tullius Cicero (106 BCE-43 BCE) was exiled to his country house. It was a time of political turmoil in the capital of the empire, caused by the power-grab of Julius Caesar. In the quiet of the countryside, Cicero began to write on philosophy. In On the Ends of Good and Evil, he set out to consider three major traditions of Greek philosophy - Epicureanism, Stoicism and a branch of Platonism.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Engaging
- By Jean on 12-27-17
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A Guide to the Good Life
- The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy
- By: William B. Irvine
- Narrated by: James Patrick Cronin
- Length: 8 hrs and 3 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 3,684
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 3,158
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One of the great fears many of us face is that despite all our effort and striving, we will discover at the end that we have wasted our life. In A Guide to the Good Life, William B. Irvine plumbs the wisdom of Stoic philosophy, one of the most popular and successful schools of thought in ancient Rome, and shows how its insight and advice are still remarkably applicable to modern lives. In A Guide to the Good Life, Irvine offers a refreshing presentation of Stoicism, showing how this ancient philosophy can still direct us toward a better life.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Excellent contemporary view of stoicism
- By Gerard Sanroma Guell on 01-24-15
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The Socratic Dialogues Early Period, Volume 2
- Gorgias, Protagoras, Meno, Euthydemus, Lesser Hippias, Greater Hippias
- By: Plato, Benjamin Jowett - translator
- Narrated by: David Rintoul, full cast
- Length: 10 hrs and 9 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars 103
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 94
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Story5 out of 5 stars 94
Here, in this second collection of Socratic Dialogues from Plato's Early Period, read by David Rintoul as Socrates with a full cast, are contrasting six works. Often, as with Gorgias, which opens the recording, Socrates combats the popular subjects of sophistry and rhetoric, in direct conversation with Gorgias (a leading sophist teacher), and with one of his pupils, Callicles.
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5 out of 5 stars
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an excellent performance
- By Christopher Powell on 07-10-18
By: Plato, and others
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Apology and Memorabilia
- By: Xenophon
- Narrated by: David Rintoul
- Length: 4 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 42
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 38
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Story5 out of 5 stars 38
Xenophon was a friend of Socrates, and yet his concise memories of the iconic philosopher have lived under the shadow of the more voluminous accounts by Plato. Yet Xenophon’s two works are, in many ways, more entertaining and more accessible, and they present a different view of the man who embodies a clear mind, temperate, ethical living, sharp intellect and humour.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Socrates was an ancap?
- By Taylor Britton on 06-21-19
By: Xenophon
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How to Think Like a Roman Emperor
- The Stoic Philosophy of Marcus Aurelius
- By: Donald Robertson
- Narrated by: Donald Robertson
- Length: 8 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall5 out of 5 stars 1,868
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 1,636
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Story5 out of 5 stars 1,630
Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius was the final famous Stoic philosopher of the ancient world. The Meditations, his personal journal, survives as one of the most loved self-help and spiritual classics of all time. In How to Think Like a Roman Emperor, psychotherapist Donald Robertson weaves stories of Marcus’ life from the Roman histories together with explanations of Stoicism - its philosophy and its psychology - to enlighten today’s listeners. He discusses Stoic techniques for coping with problems such as irrational fears, bad habits, anger, pain, and illness.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Marvelous mix of a biography with stoicism and CBT
- By Eduard Ezeanu on 04-12-19
By: Donald Robertson
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A Handbook for New Stoics
- How to Thrive in a World out of Your Control; 52 Week-by-Week Lessons
- By: Massimo Pigliucci, Gregory Lopez
- Narrated by: Rupert Farley
- Length: 10 hrs and 44 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 60
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An ancient belief system made new, Stoicism teaches us how to accept the things we cannot change and how to live a good life. It helps us improve our outlook, increase our well-being, and thrive in the face of adversity. But how does one live like a Stoic? In A Handbook for New Stoics, renowned philosopher Massimo Pigliucci and practitioner Gregory Lopez guide listeners through 52 weekly lessons, each based on a common obstacle. Stressing out about a meeting at work? Try listing the things you can control and those you can’t. Plus much more!
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5 out of 5 stars
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Great Listen so far and love the content BUT...
- By MTAL on 12-31-19
By: Massimo Pigliucci, and others
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The Socratic Dialogues: Early Period, Volume 1
- The Apology, Crito, Charmides, Laches, Lysis, Menexenus, Ion
- By: Plato, Benjamin Jowett - translator
- Narrated by: David Rintoul, full cast
- Length: 6 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 170
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 155
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 155
Here are the Socratic Dialogues presented as Plato designed them to be - living discussions between friends and protagonists, with the personality of Socrates himself coming alive as he deals with a host of subjects, from justice and inspiration to courage, poetry and the gods. Plato's Socratic Dialogues provide a bedrock for classical Western philosophy. For centuries they have been read, studied and discussed via the flat pages of books, but the ideal medium for them is the spoken word.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Entertaining, insightful, stimulating
- By Jeff Lacy on 05-30-18
By: Plato, and others
-
The Socratic Dialogues Middle Period, Volume 1
- Symposium, Theaetetus, Phaedo
- By: Plato, Benjamin Jowett - translation
- Narrated by: David Rintoul, Hugh Ross, full cast
- Length: 8 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 73
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 66
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Story5 out of 5 stars 64
Here are three important but very different Dialogues from the Middle Period. Symposium, the most well-known in this collection, is concerned with the theme of love. In the house of Agathon, a group of friends - each very different in personality and background - meet to consider and discuss various kinds of love. Each one, Phaedrus, Pausanias, Eryximachus, Aristophanes (the playwright) and Agathon (a prize-winning tragic poet), presents his particular view in a short discourse.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Audio Needs a Cleanup
- By Zachary Craft on 07-18-18
By: Plato, and others
Publisher's Summary
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.
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What listeners say about On the Shortness of Life, On the Happy Life, and Other Essays
Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
- Tobias A. Matejovsky
- 12-13-18
Completely relevant, ageless wisdom
It is remarkable to see how well Seneca's observations and advice hold up, literally thousands of years later. Delivery is straight and unpretentious. The content is easier to consume a little at a time, if desired.
2 people found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Andreea Marin
- 03-05-17
The Stoic Has Spoken!
Would you listen to On the Shortness of Life, On the Happy Life, and Other Essays again? Why?
yes. It felt like listening to an elderly grandfather pass on his wisdom on life before he goes. It's filled with life-strengthening lessons and highly inspirational anecdotes. It's so different to hear about discipline in this light.
What was one of the most memorable moments of On the Shortness of Life, On the Happy Life, and Other Essays?
The way Seneca talks to a young student and you feel like his lessons are out of pure caring and not for profit or networking when the same topics come from a different source in the 21st century.
What does James Cameron Stewart bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?
I found that having a strong male voice was perfect because it was like having Seneca speaking. It made the advice authoritative.
2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Joe
- 06-29-19
As relevant today as when it was written
I have read a few books about Seneca's works. Hearing his essays directly, without commentary, or analysis was very enjoyable. I would recommend this audio book to anyone who is curious about stoicism. Seneca's essays will benefit the critical mind to put the challenges of life into a rational perspective.
1 person found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Michael Chelberg
- 12-19-18
Enlightening, empowering
Crucial life lessons with profound consequences to the reader, when digested within it's intended original context, this book is a must read to help address life's biggest challenges
1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Ron Peters
- 05-23-17
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.
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Overall2 out of 5 stars
- Alexander
- 04-12-17
overhyped expectations?
I hear so much about Seneca that I was excited to listen to this, but this ended up being almost unlistenable. I'm sure there's great stuff in here, but between the unnecessary verbosity where 1 word would suffice for the 10 chosen, plus the narrator's voice, I couldn't even get through the entir audiobook (and I listen to a lot).
1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- HARRY
- 05-25-18
A good read.
Really enjoyed it, easy to listen to. Pleased , looking forward to the next one.
3 people found this helpful
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 03-03-20
becomes irrelevant
this audiobook started off well with some profound advice on the shortness of life. however the other essays and there are 90 in total became increasingly difficult to understand or make relevant to today's society or thinking. the narrator spoke in a suitably solemn tone
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 08-07-20
another powerful Stoic voice
some parts drift on, and get lost in rhetoric. However, the Stoic message is always clear and strong. Highly recommended and very well read.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Andrew
- 02-24-18
Great book. Similar to the Msg from Marcus Aureliu
Similar to the Msg from Marcus Aurelius Meditations. I will definitely read more of Seneca