This is a collection of essays by the Roman Stoic philosopher Seneca, known as 'On Benefits' (De Beneficiis). It examines the nature of giving and receiving favors, gratitude, and reciprocity, offering practical ethical guidance. Listeners interested in Stoicism and classical moral philosophy will find it thought-provoking.
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Text source: gutenberg.org · The work is in the public domain.
Opening of the book
L. ANNAEUS SENECA, ON BENEFITS By Seneca Edited by Aubrey Stewart PREFACE Seneca, the favourite classic of the early fathers of the church and of the Middle Ages, whom Jerome, Tertullian, and Augustine speak of as "Seneca noster," who was believed to have corresponded with St. Paul, and upon whom [Footnote: On the "De Clementia," an odd subject for the man who burned Servetus alive for differing with him.] Calvin wrote a commentary, seems almost forgotten in modern times. Perhaps some of his popularity may have been due to his being supposed to be the author of those tragedies which the world has long ceased to read, but which delighted a period that preferred Euripides to Aeschylus: while casuists must have found congenial matter in an author whose fantastic cases of conscience are often worthy of Sanchez or Escobar. Yet Seneca's morality is
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