A philosophy that saw self-possession as the key to an existence lived ‘in accordance with nature’, Stoicism called for the restraint of animal instincts and the severing of emotional ties. These beliefs were formulated by the Athenian followers of Zeno in the fourth century BC, but it was in Seneca (c. 4 BC– AD 65) that the Stoics found their most eloquent advocate. Stoicism, as expressed in the Letters, helped ease pagan Rome’s transition to Christianity, for it upholds upright ethical ideals and extols virtuous living, as well as expressing disgust for the harsh treatment of slaves and the inhumane slaughters witnessed in the Roman arenas. Seneca’s major contribution to a seemingly unsympathetic creed was to transform it into a powerfully moving and inspiring declaration of the dignity of the individual mind.
「マルクス・アウレリウス以後、私のお気に入りのうちの一冊。マルクスは主に自分のために書いたが、セネカは他者に助言する責任があった——ネロの教師として、ひどい男のひどい衝動を抑える役目を負っていた。悲しみ、富、権力、宗教、人生についての彼のアドバイスは、必要なときに必ずそこにある。セネカの『手紙』が始めるのに最適。」
– 出典: ryanholiday.net/the-reading-list (Ryan Holiday's primary recommendation list with personal commentary)「セネカの『道徳書簡集』は、私が誰にもよりも多くプレゼントしてきた本だ。（原文: Seneca's Letters from a Stoic is the book I've given as a gift more than any other.）」
– 出典: tim.blog ストア哲学記事