On Benefits

Part of the Complete Works series, On Benefits, written between 56 and 64 CE, is a treatise addressed to Seneca's close friend Aebutius Liberalis. The longest of Seneca's works dealing with a single subject - how to give and receive benefits and how to express gratitude appropriately - On Benefits is the only complete work on what we now call gift exchange to survive from antiquity. Benefits were of great personal significance to Seneca, who remarked in one of his later letters that philosophy teaches, above all else, to owe and repay benefits well. Review: Griffin and Inwood's work breathes new life into this essential and too long neglected text by Seneca. (Bryn Mawr Classical Review) The translation is excellent: Seneca's Latin is not easy, and the translators successfully turn it into English that is true to the Latin and enjoyable to read. (Choice) An excellent volume in every way. Seneca's essay has a potential interest for readers going far beyond scholars and students of ancient philosophy, and all those involved have, clearly, made every attempt to make this volume highly accessible and informative. I can think of no translators better qualified to tackle this text, and the end product entirely justifies their efforts. (Phronesis)