A Stoic’s view on a life well spent.
“On the Shortness of Life” is a moral essay written by Seneca the Younger, a major philosophical figure of the Roman Imperial Period who lived between c. 1 BCE – CE 65.
Seneca provides meaningful insights about the way so many people waste their life chasing meaningless goals and what the alternative – living a life where one puts himself and his interests first – can bring differently in terms of achievement and satisfaction.
He also argues that living a life guided by Stoic principles can boost the development of civilizations, always building on the lessons of those who lived before you and using one’s time wisely by adding one’s own findings to the general pool of knowledge.
Seneca proposes we all adopt a lifestyle that focuses on the present and that we make our own meaning instead of letting others outline our direction for us.
A great, inspirational piece of writing. I highly recommend you read it.
MY RATING
6/10 Pineapples
Synopsis
“On the Shortness of Life” is a motivational guide toward a life of meaning, personal achievement, and satisfaction.
My Favorite Quote:
“It is not that we have so little time but that we lose so much. … The life we receive is not short, but we make it so; we are not ill provided but use what we have wastefully.”
Book Data
Title: On the Shortness of Life | Author: Lucius Annaeus Seneca | Narrated by: Victor Craig | Format: Audio. | Length: 1 hrs and 7 mins | Platform: Audible.com. | Year: 2020 | Publisher: Author’s Republic.
WHERE TO READ OR LISTEN TO “DANGLING MAN” by Saul Bellow.
- Listen to “On the Shortness of Life” on Audible | Free with Audible Trial.
- Buy “Dangling Man” on Audible.com.
- Buy On the Shortness of Life: De Brevitate Vitae (A New Translation) Kindle on Amazon.com.
- Listen to “On the Shortness of Life” on Spotify | Free Listen.
All images and videos belong to their respective copyright owners and production companies.