On Benefits - Lucius Annaeus Seneca by Seneca, Lucius Annaeus Seneca
The original Latin name of this important essay by Seneca, written around 60 CE, was De Beneficiis, which is why it is generally translated as On Benefits. However, it is more usefully titled On Favours, because this is what it is essentially about: the giving and receiving of favours, with all the implications of such transactions. Seneca is concerned with demonstrating that while such exchanges can be straightforward and beneficial to both parties, often there are pitfalls and hidden complications that, sooner or later, result in problems. Though some centuries later Shakespeare summed it up concisely with Poloniuss warning: Neither a borrower nor a lender be, Seneca is well aware that in all levels and activities of society, benefits or favours play an undoubtedly crucial role. This was certainly true of Roman society, but little has changed since. Seneca deals with the subject in detail, considering the purposes of role of the giver, of which kindness, he says, is an important aspe
Classic
On Benefits - Lucius Annaeus Seneca
Seneca, Lucius Annaeus Seneca
Category: Classic
Tags: Classic, Misc. Non-fiction
The original Latin name of this important essay by Seneca, written around 60 CE, was De Beneficiis, which is why it is generally translated as On Benefits. However, it is more usefully titled On Favours, because this is what it is essentially about: the giving and receiving of favours, with all the implications of such transactions. Seneca is concerned with demonstrating that while such exchanges can be straightforward and beneficial to both parties, often there are pitfalls and hidden complications that, sooner or later, result in problems. Though some centuries later Shakespeare summed it up concisely with Poloniuss warning: Neither a borrower nor a lender be, Seneca is well aware that in all levels and activities of society, benefits or favours play an undoubtedly crucial role. This was certainly true of Roman society, but little has changed since. Seneca deals with the subject in detail, considering the purposes of role of the giver, of which kindness, he says, is an important aspe
