How to Do the Right Thing, Seneca
How to Do the Right Thing, Seneca
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How to Do the Right Thing
An Ancient Guide to Treating People Fairly

Author: Seneca, Robert A. Kaster, Robert A. Kaster

Narrator: Mike Chamberlain

Unabridged: 2 hr 13 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 06/20/2023


Synopsis

How ancient Stoicism can help teach us to treat others—and ourselves—more fairly and mercifully

There are times when we've all felt that we haven't been treated as we deserve—that we've been misjudged, shortchanged, or given a raw deal. And, at one time or another, other people have probably felt that we've treated them just as unfairly. How to Do the Right Thing draws on the principles of ancient Stoicism as articulated by the Roman statesman and philosopher Seneca to help listeners better navigate one of the most important practical questions of daily life—how to do right by others.

Starting from the virtue of magnanimity—the opposite of small-mindedness—How to Do the Right Thing draws together lessons from Seneca's writings that stress the importance of calm and clear thinking, of judging oneself fairly before judging others, and of cutting people slack, with a bias toward mercy—all delivered in crisp and lively new translations.

About Seneca

Seneca (c. 4 BC-65 AD) was a Roman Stoic philosopher, statesman, and dramatist. As a writer Seneca is known for his philosophical works, and for his plays, which are all tragedies.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Massimo on September 21, 2024

Arguably one of the best entries in the always useful and intriguing Princeton Press series, Ancient Wisdom for Modern Readers. Translator Robert Kaster provides us with a fresh look and a personal guide to some of the best writings on living morally by the Stoic author Lucius Annaeus Seneca. Unlike......more

Goodreads review by Kathryn on September 05, 2023

This short book is a good introduction to Seneca's thoughts on magnanimity, mercy, fairness and pardon. Not many 21st-century readers want to wade through classical philosophers' whole works. I like this series of Ancient Wisdom for Modern Readers series because they give you just enough, on a speci......more

Goodreads review by Jason on July 18, 2024

A short read covering the author’s translations and analysis of some of Seneca’s essays, but mainly, On Benefits, and On Mercy. The author categorically discusses Seneca’s major works through 5 chapters which highlight Seneca’s contribution to stoicism: Striving for Magnanimity; Being Calm, and Thin......more

Goodreads review by madison on March 05, 2025

i am large-minded now......more

Goodreads review by David on July 08, 2023

This is the second entry I've read in the "Ancient Wisdom for Modern Readers" series. While I didn't enjoy it quite as much as I did Plutarch's "How to Be a Leader," I still thought it was very good. And it reinforced my observation in that review that - although it's not necessarily a popular view......more