Seneca
c. 4 BC – AD 65
Place of Birth:
Corduba, Hispania Baetica
Place of Death:
Rome
Categories:
Poetry
Lucius Annaeus Seneca was a Roman philosopher, playwright, naturalist, politician and, as a Stoic, one of the most widely read writers of his time. His speeches, which made him famous, have been lost.
Although he recommended renunciation and restraint in his philosophical writings, Seneca was among the richest and most powerful men of his time. From the year 49 on, he was the authoritative educator or advisor of the later emperor Nero. Probably to prepare him for his future tasks, he wrote a treatise on why it was wise to be lenient as a ruler (De Clementia). In 55, Seneca served as consul. His actions as a politician were partly at odds with the ethical principles he advocated in his philosophical writings, which already earned him criticism from his contemporaries.
Seneca's efforts to influence Nero in his favour were not successful in the long run. Finally, the emperor accused him of participating in the Pisonian conspiracy and ordered him to commit suicide. Of necessity, Seneca complied with this order.
Although he recommended renunciation and restraint in his philosophical writings, Seneca was among the richest and most powerful men of his time. From the year 49 on, he was the authoritative educator or advisor of the later emperor Nero. Probably to prepare him for his future tasks, he wrote a treatise on why it was wise to be lenient as a ruler (De Clementia). In 55, Seneca served as consul. His actions as a politician were partly at odds with the ethical principles he advocated in his philosophical writings, which already earned him criticism from his contemporaries.
Seneca's efforts to influence Nero in his favour were not successful in the long run. Finally, the emperor accused him of participating in the Pisonian conspiracy and ordered him to commit suicide. Of necessity, Seneca complied with this order.