This question is about as old as Seneca himself. 
In page 10-11 (the introduction) of &#x27;Seneca&#x27; Letters from a Stoic:<p>&quot;In A.D. 58 Seneca was being attacked by people like Publius Suillius Rufus... But the campaign against him generally centered on the apparent contrast - it has been a stock criticism of Seneca right down the centuries - between his philosophical teachings and his practice.&quot;<p>I&#x27;m willing to go with Robin Campell&#x27;s opinion on this as I&#x27;m by no means an expert. I think the circumstances of life itself lend itself to failing in your principles, reflecting and improving where possible.