Philosopher · Antiquity
Lucius Annaeus Seneca
c. 4 BC–AD 65 · Roman Stoicism
Pagan Stoic; Tertullian called him “often one of us,” and a forged correspondence with St. Paul kept him in Christian memory.
Spanish-born Roman Stoic, tutor and minister to Nero, forced to suicide in 65. His Letters and essays teach the sufficiency of virtue, submission to a providence that is the world's own reason, daily examination of conscience, the brotherhood of all men including slaves, and a calm readiness for death.
Why he matters: The Fathers borrowed his moral psychology and his language of conscience, providence and the brotherhood of man; Christian ascetical writing on anger, mercy and the shortness of life owes him much.
Where to be careful
Stoic pantheism, the doctrine that all sins are equal, and the praise of suicide are incompatible with the faith; his life did not always match his page.
Documented positions
Where this thinker stands on each question the test asks.