Seneca
First sentence
Withdrawal into self-sufficiency (1.1 singuli) under philosophical role-models (1.1 optimos uiros) forces 'a radical rupture with regard to the state of unconsciousness in which man normally lives' in collective association (Hadot (1995) 254) and opens the way to 'impartiality, objectivity, and critical judgment' (247; 1.1 tunc potest...detorqueat etc.)...
Description
"The great stoic philosopher, playwright, and Roman statesman of the first century, Lucius Annaeus Seneca, exercised enormous influence for nearly fifteen years as tutor and political advisor to the Emperor Nero until forced to commit suicide by his former pupil. In the hands of Annales School historian Paul Veyne, the dramatic story of his life - one of power, politics, and intrigue - becomes a mirror of the time in which he lived.". "Seneca's philosophical writings remain our core source for Stoic thought, and their influence, always immense, continues to be felt. Veyne's authoritative exposition of Stoicism, and the interconnections between Seneca's life and thought, make this book ideal reading for anyone interested in Roman history and philosophy. This compact and compelling book is an introduction to the life and philosophy of one of the ancient world's greatest thinkers by one of the great historians of our own time."--BOOK JACKET.