Many have quoted Seneca over the years; Dante referred to him in 'Inferno' and placed him in the First Circle of Hell, or Limbo, a place of perfect natural happiness where virtuous non-Christians like the ancient philosophers had to stay for eternity, due to their lack of grace (given only by Christ) and required to go to heaven. Chaucer also quoted him, as did Petrarch and Virgil.

Seneca wrote extensively during the last three years of his life and

'De Beneficiis' or 'On Benefits' was completed in this period. 'On Benefits' is divided into seven books and in them the author discusses giving and receiving and the views contained within the traditions of the Stoic philosophy.