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Letters II, III, V, VI, VII, VIII, and IX

• Letter II: Seneca praises the virtue and devotion of Lucilius in regards to his studies.

• Seneca warns Lucilius not to spread his studies among too many books; rather, one ought to focus on a narrow range of writers.

• Seneca then interprets a quote from Epicurus that makes reference to "cheerful poverty." In Seneca's mind, such a thing is oxymoronic.

• Seneca reminds that the virtuous man will want only what he needs to survive and nothing more.

• Letter III: Seneca chastises Lucilius for not discussing his personal affairs with his "friend." For, when one is with a friend, one should hold nothing back.

• Seneca says one should trust a friend unconditionally, but one should only be friends with those who are worthy.

• Seneca also says that while it is important to have trusting relationships with others, it is equally important...

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