Breakfast with Seneca
A Stoic Guide to the Art of Living
20 January 2023
Description
The first clear and faithful guide to the timeless, practical teachings of the Stoic philosopher Seneca
Stoicism, the most influential philosophy of the Roman Empire, offers refreshingly modern ways to strengthen our inner character in the face of an unpredictable world. Widely recognised as the most talented and humane writer of the Stoic tradition, Seneca teaches us to live with freedom and purpose. His most enduring work, over a hundred “Letters from a Stoic” written to a close friend, explains how to handle adversity; overcome grief, anxiety and anger; transform setbacks into opportunities for growth; and recognise the true nature of friendship.
In Breakfast with Seneca, philosopher David Fideler mines Seneca’s classic works in a series of focused chapters, clearly explaining Seneca’s ideas without oversimplifying them. Best enjoyed as a daily ritual, like an energising cup of coffee, Seneca’s wisdom provides us with a steady stream of time-tested advice about the human condition—which, as it turns out, hasn’t changed much over the past two thousand years.
Reviews
"A feast for the soul and spirit. Those who absorb the lessons in Breakfast with Seneca will embark on a life more worth living." — Christopher Phillips PhD, author of Socrates Cafe
"The most companionable of the new Stoic books." — Molly Young, The New York Times
"A fine guide to Seneca, Stoicism, and what it means to live a Stoic life. Highly readable." — John Sellars, author of Lessons in Stoicism
"When I find myself in a tight spot, I take a philosophical shortcut and simply ask, ‘What would Seneca do?’ David Fideler’s wonderful Breakfast with Seneca will come in handy in such situations. An accessible introduction to Stoic practice and to t" — William B. Irvine, author of A Guide to the Good Life and The Stoic Challenge
"In Breakfast with Seneca [David Fideler] explains his habit of poring over the Roman philosopher with his morning coffee and omelette. Writing with charm and clarity, he argues that Seneca’s philosophy can help us ‘live a happy, flourishing life’." — Emily Thomas, The Times Literary Supplement
