How to Do the Right Thing

How ancient Stoicism can help teach us to treat others—and ourselves—more fairly and mercifully

There are times when we’ve all felt that we haven’t been treated as we deserve—that we’ve been misjudged, shortchanged, or given a raw deal. And, at one time or another, other people have probably felt that we’ve treated them just as unfairly. How to Do the Right Thing draws on the principles of ancient Stoicism as articulated by the Roman statesman and philosopher Seneca to help readers better navigate one of the most important practical questions of daily life—how to do right by others.

Starting from the virtue of magnanimity—the opposite of small-mindedness—How to Do the Right Thing draws together lessons from Seneca’s writings that stress the importance of calm and clear thinking, of judging oneself fairly before judging others, and of cutting people slack, with a bias toward mercy—all delivered in crisp and lively new translations, and with the original Latin on facing pages.

"Drawing widely on Seneca’s Dialogues (i.e. essays) and his 120 Moral Epistles, [Kaster] discusses the question of fairness under five headings, each with a brief introduction…all beautifully elucidated."---Susan S. Meyer, Classics For All

"Kaster creates a meaningful and original tapestry of Senecan thought. . . . His translations are precise, stylistically appealing, and incredibly clever in reproducing the readability and affective impact of the original—a model to emulate. He allows himself the freedom to give Seneca an English voice that speaks to modern readers."---Jula Wildberger, Bryn Mawr Classical Review

“Robert Kaster’s translations are wonderful, the selections exciting, and, as always, it is a pleasure to be put smack in the middle of Seneca’s coaxing, cajoling, and coaching.”—Nancy Sherman, author of Stoic Wisdom: Ancient Lessons in Modern Resilience