The Greatest Empire

Emily Wilson

Why I looked at this book

Many of us try to live frugally, some because of lack of money, but others because they see it as a virtue. But living frugally virtuous? In the Guardian review of this book I read of how Seneca preached such frugality, but certainly didn't practice it, and how Wilson discusses this and many other contradictions of Seneca's life. I'm hoping to get an insight into why frugality looks like a good idea for other people, and why people don't practice what they preach.