The Stoics: The Philosophy of Seneca, Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius

This luxurious hardback edition brings together four classic essays on Stoic philosophy from the Ancient Greek world, beautifully presented with gold embossing and stenciled page edges.

Is there an answer to the question ’How does one lead a happy life?’ Certainly one ancient Greek school of philosophy believed that there was: lead a life of virtue, one in harmony with nature and do not be swayed by fortune or misfortune.

First propounded by Zeno of Citium, Stoicism has resonated through the ages and, today, it seems even more pertinent as we look for ways to combat the constant bombardment of our lives by outside forces, whether they be the effects of current affairs, our work, family issues, economic problems or social pressures. Collected together in this volume are four key works that explain the key tenets of Stoicism, each one offering mindful lessons about how to face both the best and the worst things and find your path through life.

Contains:
- On the Shortness of Life by Seneca
- Of Peace of Mind by Seneca
- The Enchridion of Epictetus by Epictetus
- Meditations by Marcus Aurelius.

This deluxe edition features gold foil cover embossing, stencilled page-edges and full-color endpapers, making a true collector’s item. Also included is an introduction that explores the tenets of Stoicism and explains how crucial these works are to understanding this school of philosophical thought.

Lucius Annaeus Seneca the Younger was born c. 4 BCE and dies in CE 65. Noted for his writings, which included plays about Medea and Phaedra, he became a tutor and advisor to Emperor Nero, but his influence on him eventually declined and he was exiled to Corsica by Emperor Claudius where he later died. Epictetus (c. 50-c. 135 CE) was born into slavery in Phrygia (then part of Greece, now in western Turkey). With the approval of his Roman master, he gained an education and was later given his freedom after Nero died. Arrian was his most famous pupil and he promoted the words of Epictetus after his death. Marcus Aurelius (121-180 CE) reigned as Emperor of the Roman Empire from 161 until his death. He presided over a relatively peaceful period of the Roman Empire and he wrote Meditations as a source of guidance for himself and an aid to self-improvement.