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How to Do the Right Thing

An Ancient Guide to Treating People Fairly
By Seneca
3.73 goodreads logo

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( 183 ratings, 29 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
How to Do the Right Thing by Seneca offers timeless philosophical guidance on ethical behaviour and decision-making. The book explores the Stoic principles that Seneca championed, focusing on living a virtuous life, mastering one's emotions, and understanding the nature of true happiness. It's an insightful read for anyone interested in classical philosophy and practical wisdom.
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Format: Hardback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this philosophical text if you appreciate exploring timeless wisdom on ethics, morality, and decision-making. Seneca offers insights that can guide you in leading a virtuous and meaningful life, blending Stoic principles with practical advice. It could appeal to you if you're interested in ancient philosophy or seeking guidance on how to navigate complex moral dilemmas in everyday life.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

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 readers 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, and with the original Latin on facing pages.

Robert Kaster's translations are wonderful, the selections exciting, and, as always, it is a pleasure to be put smack in the middle of Seneca's coaxing, cajoling, and coaching. —Nancy Sherman, author of Stoic Wisdom: Ancient Lessons in Modern Resilience

Series: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Readers

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  • How to Do the Right Thing
    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...
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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Reviews commend James Kaster's translation of How to Do the Right Thing by Seneca for its precision and readability, capturing the emotional resonance of the original writings. The work offers a fresh perspective and contemporary voice on Seneca's ideas, particularly focusing on fairness, drawing upon his extensive essays and moral letters. Critics highlight the insightful arrangement of Seneca's thoughts under thematic headings, praising the clarity and stylistic appeal of the translation.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780691238647

Publisher: Princeton University Press

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 20 June 2023

Country: United States

Imprint: Princeton University Press

Contributors:

  • Translated by Robert Kaster
  • Edited and translated by Robert Kaster

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 114.0mm

Height: 171.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 288

About the Author

Robert A. Kaster is professor emeritus of classics and Kennedy Foundation Professor Emeritus of Latin at Princeton University. His books include The Appian Way: Ghost Road, Queen of Roads and (with Martha C. Nussbaum) Seneca: Anger, Mercy, Revenge.

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