Seneca,

This letter of yours I have read rather recently.  A friend, Chris Fisher, recommended it to me while I was wallowing in self-pity… I mean, Stoically handling an affliction of gout.  I found the letter to be the most helpful thing I’ve read on the subject.  This first part we’re reading today is the introduction, but the reminders and advice are timeless.

As I understand it, you too, dear Seneca, were afflicted with gout, so I’m sure you’re aware of the struggles that can provide.  Before I had experience that level of pain, I hadn’t quite understood the gravity of the problem.  It’s one of those problems that we don’t generally have much sympathy for, give hardly any public notice to, and those who suffer secret their pain away quietly.

Your advice, and now almost-daily cherry juice, has been a great help.  I look forward to refreshing the rest of the letter.

Farewell.

Part of Michel Daw’s Reading Plan of Seneca’s Letters.