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

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

Essays, Volume 1

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

By: Seneca
Narrated by: James Cameron Stewart
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About this listen

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 Philosophy Seneca Shortness

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All stars
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Everyone should read this especially folks that are at least 21 years. One of the few books everyone should have in their collection and read multiple times.

Amazing

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Wisdom for life that is as true today as when it was written. Essential reading

essential reading

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Really enjoyed it, easy to listen to. Pleased , looking forward to the next one.

A good read.

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A lovely dip-in miscellany of refreshingly interactive, Kant free, philocafe chat. Sumptuous.
A good buy. Plunge!

Old man - wise. Old words - wise. Great narration.

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I really liked it. The narrator has a calming voice. The book helped me to control some of my anxieties. For me, it was kind of a self-help book I've needed.

A very good read

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Accessible philosopical thought about the most important issues of our lives and of course of our death, nourishing food for thought.

Matters of a Good Life and Death

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I love the reader his voice is so soothing, makes every word clear takes my thoughts elsewhere.

soothing readers voice

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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

becomes irrelevant

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