How To Read Seneca (The World’s Most Interesting Stoic)

Seneca is one of the most fascinating Stoic figures.
A famed writer, dramatist, politician and advisor, Seneca is one of the three key figures in the development of Stoicism. He not only wrote on philosophy but used it in the way it’s meant to be used: to handle and navigate through the upsides and downsides of fortune. And those he knew extremely well-varying from massive wealth to exile to handling with dignity the suicide order from his own pupil Nero.
In this video Ryan Holiday breaks down who Seneca was, why you should be interested in his work, some of the key themes from his writing and how you should read this master of Stoic Philosophy.
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📚 Get these books
Letters From A Stoic (Robin Campbell) - www.thepaintedporch.com/produ...
Epistles, Volume I (Richard M. Gummere) - www.loebclassics.com/view/LCL...
Epistles, Volume II (Richard M. Gummere) - www.loebclassics.com/view/LCL...
On the Shortness of Life (C. D. N. Costa) - www.thepaintedporch.com/produ...
The Stoic Philosophy of Seneca (Moses Hadas) - geni.us/7W7lZk
Dying Every Day (James Romm) - www.thepaintedporch.com/produ...
How To Keep Your Cool (James Romm) - geni.us/kAx4n0P
How To Die (James Romm) - geni.us/GxeQ
Lives Of The Stoics (Ryan Holiday & Stephen Hanselman) - www.thepaintedporch.com/produ...
00:00 Intro
00:55 Who was Seneca?
08:32 Why should you read Seneca?
11:49 What are the best themes from Seneca’s writing?
17:41 How should you read Seneca?
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[@janralphebora1711]

Man, we are so lucky that Ryan does these kinds of valuable, long-form content for free.

[@sednasix6608]

Check out Gregory Sadler

[@Dinogray01]

Indeed 🙏🏾

[@Muldoon111]

He’s a selfless man.

[@hum-dinger2453]

thats because no one in their right mind would pay him for it.

[@keepitsteady777]

Yes we are!

[@georgewebb9196]

I’m 17 and I’ve been discovering and learning about stoicism for 2 years,I think learning the lessons from stoicism at such a young age is the best choice I’ve ever made,I think stoicism should be taught in schools honestly,Imagine the change in the world,I feel like my generation needs to hear the wisdom of the stoicism NOW,I love what I’ve learnt so far and making myself a little better each day.Love your work Ryan and wish everyone a great day,week,month,year and life🖤

[@danielandrew4388]

Hey man that's awesome to hear! I'm also the same age as you and have found this philosophy for almost two years now. It did wonders for my mental health

[@KJ-pu8dw]

George Webb_You are already on a path far beyond your years and of that of your peers. Don’t get lost trying to talk to your peers about Stoicism, just embody Stoicism in who you are.

[@monkeymindbananas9550]

Awesome! I agree with KJ don't waste time talking to friends or at least caring what they think, about this. It your interested in stoicism your probably more intelligent than your piers. I'm 42, a member of MENSA a pretty intelligent guy, and in my whole life I've not had a friend who thinks as I do. But also at 17 I didn't know abt stoicism. Because there was no internet, and like you said, they didn't and don't teach this in school.

[@pballfan]

There are pitfalls towards stoicism, but I do agree, it would help a lot of people get through their teenage & adolescent years.

[@christopherpontac7937]

Mr. Webb, this is so heartening to hear - someone of your age taking an interest in this. Here is a Stoic challenge for you, hinted at by K J, above. Do not talk too much about your developing interest in Stoicism. Learn about it, think about how to apply it in your life, and then act. I am sure that you are becoming a man that people know they can trust, someone who will never do anything shoddy, and who will spend their time well. When that happens, and they ask you how it is you are the sort of young man you are, *then* tell them about Stoicism. All the best.

[@conradmcdaniel8407]

Letters from a stoic may be the best thing I've read besides Meditations.

[@JC-du6sn]

Look up Andrew Wommack's A Better Way To Pray and Within Heaven's Gates by Rebecca Springer 😇

[@markg4776]

Bravo Sir.

[@Allen216.]

Cheers mate!!

[@davidd1289]

Bible is pretty good too, it’s not as mainstream anymore though.

[@Lightningkuriboh]

@@davidd1289 lmao what

[@batdoguk]

I was reading Seneca around the time my father suffered heart failure in March 2021, and Seneca's advice helped me come to terms with the fact that my father was soon going to die. Three months later I even took my copy of Letters from a Stoic into hospital to read on the night my father died. Although both Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus contains numerous nuggets of wisdom, I much prefer Seneca, who comes to life in the pages of his letters to Lucilius.

[@ReturnOfJackDawson]

I am sorry for your loss; thank you for sharing

[@tonyportillo1120]

Thanks also for sharing this. You are brave human being who has blessed me tonight to face my fears and my challenges

[@rongoldberg8491]

its all about the nuggets.... ;)

[@tonybocelli1754]

Thank you for this suggestion, I will order Seneca's letters to Lucile's next!

[@Blueskyhat]

I feel like Ryan is giving me ancient mental software that still remains timeless and incredibly useful

[@JG-kn7ew]

Linux?

[@jcoste8313]

I’m 24 and just recently found stoicism and didn’t realize this is what I was practicing throughout my life! I’m glad I found there’s an actual name to it!

[@ml9633]

I'm a lucky man Ryan, this is my 65th year of life & through you & because of you, i am discovering Stoic philosophy. Your teaching bring it down to my level and, i thank you for this. Cheers :)

[@karamazov.]

i often complain about my choice for high school because sometimes it's really difficult to do well (translating latin and ancient greek), but i'll always be grateful that they introduce us to amazing authors like seneca. he's definitely one of my favorites :)

[@OneBlurryLens]

Always learning. When we read this again down the river, we will learn something new, again. Thanks!

[@evitwael]

A good way to know these legends, I hope you will feature all of them. Thanks, Ryan. Keep up the great work.

[@debraleong5519]

This was so helpful. As someone who is new to Stoic philosophy and gets a little overwhelmed by all the different great thinkers in Stoic philosophy, this was very helpful. Thank you.

[@jaredbaker5887]

Having a rough time with life, financially, health and fatherhood. This is helping me change into the person I want to be. Thank You

[@flyinggoat2581]

I thought I had listened to enough stoic philosophy second hand to get the benefit. I thought I was finally mastering my feelings and learning to breathe and focus through my challenges. And then the bombs fell on Ukraine, my second home. Every day I fear the fate of my friends, students, colleagues, and heroes sacrificing themselves as I stand virtually powerless to help. I’ve been constantly on the edge of tears for months… this war made an absolute mockery of my ability to control my emotions. I’m glad I found this essay today. I think I’ll grab a book and go to the park.

[@tylerchambers6246]

You cannot fight against the tide forever, you will break sometimes. It is human.

[@Wellingster]

I've watched a lot of the videos you made, but this one is one of the best! Love your work, please keep up!

[@jonathanacuna]

These are so insightful to hear. Thank you for sharing Ryan!

[@Arthur_Wellesley]

Could you do a video like this for Epictetus? I just got his discourses book for Christmas and have been slowly working my way through it.

[@ashhuman2412]

Agreed! Epictetus is who I most relate to of all the ancient thinkers and philosopher's. I still love reading Marcus and Seneca's texts but Epictetus is so easily digested and impactful to me.

[@waitpethk]

Thank you so much for your kind sharing, I start to read Meditation and Letters from a Stoic. I am a Buddhist and I find it very practical for my life and practice as well. The Stoic philosophy is more important today as we are facing a rapid changing world.

[@Johnny_Dregs]

Thank you for your time. I enjoy your delivery and appreciate the new knowledge.

[@howardstein9565]

One of your best lectures, Ryan. I love Seneca. One very powerful aspect to reading Seneca, for me, is what an absolutely beautiful writer he was. I am often astonished at the beauty of his words, as much as the content of his wisdom.

[@mountainmanwatchreviews8081]

Thanks for all you do Ryan. What a great resource you are to all who are interested in stoicism.

[@astrocat88]

This is a fascinating. Thank you Ryan so much for making this video. It is excellent.

[@ShinbrigTV]

Just finished "Letters from a Stoic", glad you explained clearly.

[@TrillersHD]

This is just such a welcome peace of mind in the daily troubled waters of life. Thank you Ryan

[@Cinemagoer_64]

This is one of the greatest videos I’ve ever seen thank you Ryan you’re awesome!!

[@marcelchenier]

Great clip. The thing I have learned to love more than original texts is clever, humorous, and insightful modern takes & explanations of them. Subscribed and enjoying the video library.

[@michellehart8702]

Thank you, Ryan. I needed this today.

[@micheleharris9617]

This is fascinating channel...I just stumbled across. Thanks for introducing me to Seneca! 🔰

[@Bill87762]

I just found this, so great . We miss you Ryan Holiday, I've listened to every daily stoic on Spotify twice at least Thank you

[@darrellshoub7527]

I started reading Seneca via Ryan, when my father died , when I was 55, ... I still pick up two of his books ,,,, pretty often when I feel fear or weakness creep in,

[@darrellshoub7527]

Thanks Ryan, that was a beautiful show !!!!!!! it is true : valuing time and friends, and accepting challenges in life ............are really what makes you a real person .

[@k8eekatt]

Thank you for sharing your education through KZbin. The medium is accessible but even more, is your delivery. Learning how to learn and be discriminating in thought, is a huge skill and gift of education. Thank you!

[@suzanneboily5224]

Love all this. So important in this great big world. Thank you for sharing. ❤

[@mahammedhaggag9525]

Seneca is my favorite stoic, he changed my life. thank you for the great video.

[@MegaFount]

Such an incredible life he had - full of tragedy and obstacles. He forged ahead no matter what. Never surrender. As Becket wrote: I can’t go on; I must go on.

[@corujariousa]

Thank you for the video! The history lesson alone was worth the time. The first statement in the video opening made me question whether Seneca favored Risk Management while making decisions.

[@MikeKulyk]

Thank you for your work. It helped me to start with philosophy of Seneca

[@Dan-qk3mt]

Thanks Ryan, great stuff as usual

[@pyrsartur3675]

Your summaries are the very helpful and enjoyable. Thank you.

[@aaronwimberley1104]

Great meditation to start the day=] Just picked up a few copies of Seneca's works last year that are amazing- "On the Happy Life" and "Hardship & Happiness"

[@raharney]

Dear Mr Ryan, thank you for this video. I have watched many of your videos, but I found this one particularly enjoyable. The intimacy of it is quire intense. It is almost as though you are talking directly to me, which of course you are. Or maybe it is your authenticity which touches me so. Keep up the good work R.

[@nesanmacpherson5459]

Loved this. Just what I needed.

[@danecobain]

I read Seneca's letters recently and found it super insightful.

[@chastainscott1719]

Simply one of your best videos. I devoured every word.

[@balrajsingh776]

Thank you for sharing this great videos, and introducing me to Seneca.

[@Mocaknight]

I've found myself studying more and more philosophy and history... And it's hard to explain why I love this so much. Cause when others ask me... I don't know how to quite word it so they empathize exactly what I mean and why I love it.

[@theuruguayanpolyglot8706]

Thank you Ryan, great content!!!

[@6leinad1]

Could you please do a video like this about other Stoic authors? Thank you! I loved the video!

[@hootiemcboob6332]

You're a good egg. I just bought your book The Obstacle is The Way, after reading Meditations. The Stoic ideals really helped me recently when I had a health scare and it has helped me see things differently. The mentality that I have already died and everything from now is a bonus to be lived right is transformative. Looking forward to reading your work.

[@dposting2941]

THIS is the "intellectual web." Not the avatars and posers (Lex Friedman comes to mind), but RICHLY USEFUL content like this. In gratitude, A many times broken man

[@dposting2941]

Thumbs UP to this content creator! :)

[@multinogaming07]

Intellectual web ya lex fridman is dope and did u know any more web developers like fridman?

[@artistic_bloob6381]

We’re currently translating some of Seneca’s texts (especially his letters to Lucilius) in Latin class and I’m fascinated by his writing and thoughts! Simply incredible

[@jessicajaerosenbaum115]

I already have your book The obstacle is the way. But I'd really treasure a signed book. It doesn't have to be the leather one. Just the energy in the ink of your signature would be really cool. I unfortunately can't afford yet to buy it. I'm not sure if you're still giving any away. I went to sign up but I'm already signed up. I discovered you almost a year ago. And your emotional and spiritual brilliance has strengthen my drive. Thank you for sharing your passion with us. I tell everyone that will listen to read or listen to your audiobooks and podcasts. And Stephen Covney and Lewis Howes. Also Napoleon Hill. There's more but those are my favorite ones that I repeat. You're wisdom is a daily value. I think that's why you have prospered so well. Good for you. I believe that the will of your passion makes you so deserving.

[@the_prokopton]

thank you for your content ryan!!

[@PaulaDTozer]

Ryan, what you said at the opening of this piece is super cool…you found Seneca at about 19 and your life hasn’t been the same since. From that moment on this great thinker changed the trajectory of your life. Where you would be now if you hadn’t discovered the Stoics when you did is anyone’s guess, like it would be for me or anyone reading this…anyone in the world. Yours is a now famous example of how beautiful thoughts are the foundation for a life designed to thrive, because you studied the Stoics and literally used this life altering information as the vehicle for transformation- to alter your own life in all directions on the timeline…present, future, and PAST, from that moment on. It’s something I discovered years ago and have been encountering difficulty trying to explain it in a way that’s easy to understand. I think I’ll use you as my example. I’m a fan of your work and hope you’ll be pleased with the result. Much success to you!

[@selisko2009]

My mind is blown after experiencing the verbal eloquence of Seneca. I stumbled across stoicism philosophy and it's changing my cognitive perception of life completely.

[@iloveyellow7214]

🙋🏻‍♀I cant thank you enough for this 😍 Ryan o my goodness! I came from spotify as I always listen to your podcasts when I need to be guided in life or I cant understand stoics SENECA is my favorite thaank you so much for this

[@dejankovacevic2854]

Always AMAZING Editing and Communication🤠🤠🤠📃📋📔📙📔📗

[@consumer1073]

i think a lot of people are drawn to stoicism because it's represented the way it is, as 'coping mechanisms' and 'philosophy' but in my own personal experience i got around to doing the things these people talk about through spiritual and moral awakening. many rivers which lead to the same source. i wouldn't do it the disrespect of writing it off as just psychology and coping techniques though. everything goes back to being a good person because it's the right thing, not because it can make your life easier (sometimes harder) even though that's a good side effect of doing what's right. if you study philosophy but also esotericism, spirituality, the major and minor arcane, you can have never touched philosophy and find yourself acting very comparably to a lot of these 'stoic heroes' from moral development and character building on your own. personally i don't really care about philosophy in the way some of you might as a study, because i now know what a good person is and it's about being it, not conceptualizing it anymore. a lot of people who get into philosophy get absorbed in it as a study when i think it has always been intended to be a stepping stone that you leave behind once you spiritually mature, and not an island to live on, if you will. just a stone on the path to 'the goal or ousrce'. you know what makes what, now it's about doing, not arguing what is or isn't. philosophy is a rung on the ladder not the ladder itself.

[@graememorrison1380]

Yes! I appreciate this

[@joeytosoung4840]

I stepped away from Kants Metaphysics because it can only be speculated which made it burdensome and not practical. Interesting read but exhausting...and for what?

[@matiaslobos7648]

" stone that you leave behind once you spiritually mature" well thats never gonna happen, like the gym you dont become too atletical, you are always improving. when a person never lie, envy, hate, feel depressed, when is completly resilient to adversary, when prefer death to do evil, when their heart is so pure that they never hide anything, when their are discipline no matter the circumnstance, when understand the nuances between good and evil and never do harm thinking its doing good. well in that moment maybe that person could leave philosophy behind. i dont think exist a person in this word who is too illuminated to leave philosophy behind.

[@consumer1073]

@@matiaslobos7648 philosophy always takes a background role in the actualized individual, because they're busy doing things. their philosophy of life guides them sure but it's a crutch that supports their character and overall morality, not the other way around. ultimately it is DOING and BEING that "good man" that takes the forefront, and even the old school philosophers that are so revered now had to make note of pen and paper philosophers who never walked the walk. in my experience, once you get to a certain point, there's nowhere else to go with philosophy. you've found the stone, now you use it. not to 'further philosophy' as a body, for its own sake, but for your works sake. tl;dr, dwelling on it is what leads to armchair philosophers imo. which some may consider me one. its just in my own experience of self actualizing, once you do all of these things and employ the principles, it's something you don't even notice nor that actualized people dwell on. it's about the work ultimately, the philosophy is part of it but it never outshines the whole, which would be the good deeds.

[@matiaslobos7648]

@@consumer1073 when i was talking of philosophy, i was refering with the stoic concept of philosophy. Just to be clear. thanks for your reply, farewell and forget my english i am not native.

[@deebeemcmurray]

Cool tee-shirt! It's great to see the mine exploration / stoicism club has so many members:)

[@bettermanchannel770]

Read him everyday for the rest of your life, that's a good place to start

[@niconicholson7564]

Thank u for more understanding of Seneca Hayes

[@pamelars7497]

What a beautiful home, cozy, masculine, spacious and filled with wisdom 🥰

[@favritzappstodiscoverandra9420]

Just got a copy of Letters from a Stoic - excited to dive in!

[@thelogros8717]

brilliant. thanks for these videos

[@mrbrett19]

Really great Bio! Thank you so much!

[@CaRloSHurTadoo]

Thank You Ryan !! ✌️

[@onlyentertainmentandfun]

Love you Ryan Holiday, you're the modern day Seneca :)

[@AM-qu6vu]

Amazing. Thank you 🙏🏽

[@ntsopoul]

epictetus discourses’ are by far the most influential work I have read snd re-read. Seneca writes nice but he is more a novelist than a practical philosopher. I admire Epictetus.

[@der.kdf.brother]

thank you for the knowledge. I just drew a large version of the small green buste you have not knowing who it was. after a search i found him in google pictures. With the name I found I found your channel. 👍

[@juanjocorsino101]

Here in Spain we have a statue dedicated to Seneca in Cordoba, his hometown

[@marianadavila323]

Love your videos Ryan, this one was particularly helpful

[@markh3279]

This is saving my life, one day at a time

[@vijayadas3317]

Thank you dear Ryan

[@aaronwimberleymbamsf5776]

Great meditation to start the day=]

[@charlesrosebushes7748]

I heard a speaker one time say this: "The worst things that ever happened to me only happened in my mind"

[@lauriebragg7828]

That room is fabulous! As is the video.

[@metas1779]

I named my daughter after Seneca after reading his letters

[@funfow1]

"We suffer more in imagination than reality" this quote is fucking point. Unfortunately i live all my life like this and just afraid to end this.

[@ryanisfollin]

Love this channel.

[@TheBrandongreen33]

Thanks again Ryan

[@jayashreeacharia6782]

Seneca is my most favorite Stoic philosopher.

[@MrBillybadasshole]

Loving the videos.

[@benlamprecht6414]

Thanks very, very much for your videos

[@ferguswood4065]

Indeed people love to discredit Seneca for his wealth, how can a man of his be a true stoic? One need only see that he had been exiled and faced perennial turmoil and that despite his wealth he was a man of stoic virtue and fortitude. Amazing video!

[@hichamkhadim8264]

Thank you Ryan

[@thereganmotivation1376]

very inspiring.. thank you

[@CG-yl8vz]

Thanks Ryan.

[@milosdavidovic9833]

Thank you, Ryan 🌷💀⏳️

[@Three2Juan]

Finally…I feel your place in the stoics Ryan. - Juan

[@srourfamily]

Ryan nice work i enjoy your work and with Ben Hardy have been greatful models for success in life.. Also your followers should read Psychology of Money a game changer for financial success.

[@markg4776]

Bravo Sir.

[@teresazbikowska7094]

I believe there is also a Royal Collectors Edition and a All Three Volumes version.

[@praxis22]

When I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, the thing that saved me, more than anything else, was the fact that I had been thinking of my funeral everyday for a year or more, as such, when death came and looked me in the face I wasn't pitched into existential angst or dread, I heard music. The music I had been thinking about, and what I planed to say posthumously. Death came as a friend. The cancer psych they sent to me, went away happy. I wrote this up on r/Stoicism if anyone wants to read it, same user id. Stoicism is a superpower. Every bit as vital and useful as when it was the privilege of emperor's & slaves 2000 years ago.

[@tomweald186]

A question to Ryan; forgive me if this is too personal. Are you a man of faith? I was interested having heard you refer to our Lord Jesus on occasion. I read and journal The Daily Stoic and find it fits and supports my faith, my daily striving to be a better man and a better Christian. Great video, great work, thank you.

[@dennislima2757]

Brasiiiil. Gostamos muito dos seus vídeos.

[@jakubjaeger7016]

Powerful stuff.

[@19grand]

Get paid on Friday. Will order the books then. Thanks man. :)

[@Milkman4279]

I only know the stoics from these videos, and I like the words and ideas of Seneca the best

[@uberdonkey9721]

Great history. It amazes me that Seneca, Jesus and St Paul, all great Philosophers were born in the same year (probably).

[@ericsierra-franco7802]

Seneca is my favorite Stoic!