Consolations from a Stoic

The art of consoling the afflicted has a long history. Texts by stoics, peripatetics, epicurists and platonics have become a fundamental reference in the practice of the medicine of the soul. Today such a procedure would be called psychotherapy or psychological counseling and would be practiced by psychologists. At that time, the use of written text in the form of dialogue was called consolation and was intended to teach the rational overcoming of the passions and the pains of the soul. Seneca, without the least doubt, was the most fertile Latin writer of Consolations, if we consider not only the texts known under that name, but also the various treatises of high consolation, such as On the shortness of life, Of Peace of Mind and some of the Letters addressed to Lucilius. However, there are three genuine Consolations, that is, those that most respond to the demands of the Consolatory tradition: To Marcia, To Helvia and To Polybius.

This book contains the three letters of consolation so named by Seneca and also three of the letters written to Lucilius whose theme is related:

• Of Consolation, to Marcia: the first letter of consolation written by Seneca in the year 40, being the oldest known work of the philosopher. It is hard to imagine a more humane approach to grief;

• Of Consolation, To Helvia: Seneca had been condemned to exile by Emperor Claudius. From exile he wrote a letter of comfort to his mother;

• Of Consolation to Polybius: The work is addressed to the private secretary of Emperor Claudius, to console him on the death of his brother.

• Letter 63: On Grief for Lost Friends;

• Letter 93: On the Quality, as Contrasted with the Length, of Life;

• Letter 107: On Obedience to the Universal Will.

Consolations from a Stoic constructs a cohesive piece of consolation using stoic philosophy and its worldview to help the grieving to consider other aspects of loss and also to acknowledge the inevitability of death. This is a fundamental reading for those who mourn or wish to help those who suffer from the loss of loved ones.