On the Shortness of Life and Other Dialogues

Six dialogues by Seneca, each addressed to a friend or relative, are gathered here. The first argues that life is not short but wasted, spent on everything except living; others treat peace of mind, the happy life and studious leisure. The last two consider the firmness of the wise man, whom insult cannot touch, and why misfortune falls on good people. These essays explore the use of time, the mastery of the passions and what is genuinely in our power. Seneca writes as an adviser rather than a theorist, in phrases built to be remembered.