Letters from a Stoic

Penguin Classics

By: Seneca, Robin Campbell

Narrated by: Julian Glover

Brought to you by Penguin.

This Penguin Classic is performed by Julian Glover, Olivier Award winning actor, also known for his roles in Game of Thrones and Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets. This definitive recording includes an Introduction by Robin Campbell.


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.

Public Domain (P)2019 Penguin Audio

Excellent Book!

At first the narration was bothersome, however about an hour or so in it becomes clear that the narrator and Seneca are a great match. The book is full of knowledge and one that anyone should consider listening to.

Short, but narration is superb

I had bought the complete set, but exchanged for this one. The former narration was so poor that I decided to go with this one.

The Immersive Style of a Grandfather

I fear I am one of the fools Seneca decries for enjoying philosophy in terms of entertainment, but the narrator (Julian Glover) has managed to delight me with his performance of this stoic's work all the same.

10/10

Fascinating window into roman time

These letters was fascinating to hear. Listening to Senecas view on life and everyday squarrels made this book for me.

Absolutely brilliant, an instant favorite.

Easily the most impactful and succinct stoic book I've read to date, full of anecdotes and parables that I can relate directly to my own experiences and lifestyle almost two millennia after its writing. The performance is outstanding, fatherly and friendly, somber when necessary, but never cold or didactic.

Phenomenal

Overall a fantastic listen/read. There is a great amount of knowledge and wisdom within this book. It seems as though it applies just as much today as it did then. Julian Glover is a phenomenal narrator. I could listen to him all day long. Thank you very much!

Seneca

What’s not to like … great reading of a great philosopher. I very much enjoyed this.

Some very good advice mixed into rambling

Seneca has some of the best thoughts on life I have heard, but it is not what I was expecting. It is entertaining in that he actually talks about what he is doing in real life, and sometimes it actually makes me laugh, but these ideas are extremely unstructured. Just like Meditations, except Meditations stays more on track. Im thinking of reading the Enchiridion next, that should have plenty of structure...

Phenomenal audiobook

The narrator reads as if he wrote the book which makes the audiobook very enjoyable. Amazing book by Seneca.

Source Document for Stoicism

“Do not wish that things go well for you but rather that you go well with all things.”

Be aware of all that is true about the World and take advantage of all it has to offer. And never forget that you will die!

Glover’s British accent gives these letters the ring of authenticity.