nectar
Register
Discover

Chapters: 9 Ideas: 38

Visit original source

On the Shortness of Life

Seneca 49-62 CE

Are we short of time, or wasting it? An examination of how ambition, distraction, and endless obligations consume a lifetime. Distinguish busyness from living, value time as your own, and make room for reflection and philosophy.

Preview

  1. Idea 6

    A long count of years may conceal a short life. Subtract time lost to quarrels, obligations, illness, empty talk, foolish desires, and neglected purpose, and little may remain.

  2. Idea 8

    Reserving reflection and inner freedom for old age means offering yourself only life’s leftovers, with no guarantee that you will ever reach them.

  3. Idea 27

    Some studies are only laborious trifling. Knowledge of obscure facts is empty when it restrains no passion and makes no one braver, more just, or better in character.

Contents
  1. Life Is Long Enough4 ideas
  2. The Waste of What Cannot Be Replaced4 ideas
  3. Success Without Freedom4 ideas
  4. Busyness Is Not Living4 ideas
  5. Time Moves Without Warning4 ideas
  6. Past, Present, and Future4 ideas
  7. Leisure Misnamed4 ideas
  8. The Freedom of Philosophy4 ideas
  9. Choosing a Life of One’s Own6 ideas