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Secondary sourceBook1887

Translator's preface to Seneca's On Benefits

1887

An 1887 preface that introduces Seneca and his essay On Benefits, describing his popularity with early Christian writers and his neglect in modern times.

This preface introduces Seneca's essay On Benefits and explains his reputation among early Christian writers and his later neglect.

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About this source

What it is

This is the translator's preface to an 1887 English edition of Seneca's essay On Benefits. The translator is not named in the facts available. The preface introduces Seneca to readers and discusses his reputation and the translations that came before.

Why it matters

The preface describes Seneca as a favourite classic of the early fathers of the church and the Middle Ages, cited by Jerome, Tertullian, and Augustine. It also notes that Seneca's morality is pure and that he passes on the ideas of Greek philosophers such as Zeno, Epicurus, and Chrysippus, showing how Seneca was valued and read by later generations.

Look closer

  • Why does the preface say Seneca seemed almost forgotten in modern times, and what might explain that change?
  • What does the translator's description of Seneca's popularity with early Christians suggest about the reasons people read him?

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