Seneca was a Roman philosopher, statesman, and dramatist who lived from 4 BC to 65 AD. He was a tutor and advisor to Emperor Nero and is known for his writings on Stoicism, including the treatise "On the Shortness of Life." Seneca believed that virtue was the key to happiness and that true happiness could only be achieved through living a life of wisdom, courage, justice, and self-control. He was also a playwright, contributing to the genre of the Roman tragedian and reflecting Stoic themes in his plays. Despite his philosophy, Seneca was involved in the politics and corruption of his time and ultimately died by suicide.