Epistulae morales ad Lucilium

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Ancient bust of Seneca (Antikensammlung Berlin)
Ancient bust of Seneca (Antikensammlung Berlin)

The Epistulae morales ad Lucilium is a bundle of 124 letters which were written by Seneca the Younger at the end of his life. These letters all start with the phrase "Seneca suo Lucilio salutem" (Seneca greets his Lucilius) and end with the word "Vale" (Farewell). In these letters, Seneca gives Lucilius tips on how to become a more devoted Stoic. If Lucilius really did exist is unknown. Some of the letters include "On Noise" and "Asthma". Others include letters on "the influence of the masses" and "how to deal with one's slaves". Although they all deal with Seneca's eclectic philosophy, they also give us valuable insights in the daily life in ancient Rome.

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The tag Vita sine litteris mors ('Life without learning [is] death') is adapted from Epistle 82 (originally Otium sine litteris mors, 'Leisure without learning [is] death') and is the motto of Derby School and Derby Grammar School in England, Adelphi University, New York, and Manning's High School, Jamaica.


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