This essential collection of stoic essays by Lucius Annaeus Seneca, commonly known as Seneca the Younger, is perfect for any student of philosophy or those inclined toward the ideas of stoicism. This collection contains some of Seneca's most famous essays and more, including: On the Shortness of Life, On Wrath (On Anger), On Mercy, On the Tranquility of the Mind, and On the Happy Life.Seneca generally employed a pointed rhetorical style. His writings expose traditional themes of Stoic philosophy: the universe is governed for the best by a rational providence; contentment is achieved through a simple, unperturbed life in accordance with nature and duty to the state; human suffering should be accepted and has a beneficial effect on the soul; study and learning are important. He emphasized practical steps by which the reader might confront life's problems. In particular, he considered it important to confront one's own mortality. The discussion of how to approach death dominates many of his letters.