ON THE SHORTNESS OF LIFE
How do we best use our time?
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"On The Shortness of Life"
Seneca
"Life is sufficiently long, and has been granted with enough generosity for us to accomplish the greatest things.... we do not recieve a life that is short, but rather we make it so." -Seneca
On The Shortness of Life is an essay penned by the ancient Roman philosopher Seneca, around 49 AD. Seneca, a prominent Stoic philosopher, statesman, and playwright, left a lasting imprint on the realms of ethics, morality, and practical philosophy.
In this essay, he contemplates the impermanence of human existence, urging readers to reflect on the fleeting nature of life. Seneca decries the tendency of people to squander their time on trivial pursuits and the pursuit of wealth or power, which he views as distractions from a purposeful and meaningful life.
Throughout the letter, Seneca cautions against taking life for granted, reminding us that it is unpredictable and brief. Seneca's message serves as a call to reassess our priorities, seize the present, and build a life of wisdom and purpose in the face of life's ephemeral nature.
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