On A Happy Life

Seneca's On a Happy Life - written almost 2000 years ago for

his older brother - is an engrossing compendium of timeless Stoic

wisdom. The Philosopher's advice covers all aspects of human

existence, and includes avoiding intense emotions, desires and fears,

and rejecting 'group-think' or mindlessly following social trends.

Rather than seeking a transitory "happiness" in things and events,

we should aspire to inner contentment and peace of mind via the

practice of justice and virtue, so that we may live the kind of life we

can look back on and not feel ashamed.




These are values and morals that ring as true today as two millennia

ago. They are lessons that will benefit anyone regardless of age,

wealth, gender or social position. A fascinating, and very practical,

insight into the world-view of history's most famous Stoic.




"The more eagerly a man struggles to reach happiness,

the further he departs along the wrong road; and since

this track leads in the opposite direction, his very swiftness

carries him all the further from his goal."

Lucius Annaeus Seneca