2000 years ago, Seneca argued that it is not that we have a short time to live, but rather that we waste a lot of it. Life is long for those who use it well. Fortunes inherited by incompetent heirs are lost, but wealth given to trusted custodians only accumulates in value, and so it is with life. Life is long for those who know how to use it.
There is a striking similarity between the increasing use of social media today and what the ancient Roman philosopher warned us about. Seneca is not a fortune-teller.
People are stingy with their money, but not their time.
"Oh I'll retire when I'm 50, then I'll enjoy life" people lament. How late it is to begin living. People are stingy with their money, but not their time.
Is it possible to gain back our youthfulness.
Imagine a ship that leaves the harbor and is met with the strongest of storms it gets tossed around and thrown back. Did it have a long journey? It sure would feel like it to its occupants. Often times we assume our life to be lived long, but it could be that we were just storm tossed around.
Enjoying the process
Taking the example of Aristotle, Zeno, Democritus who took the time to meet their visitors, and always left them happier than they came is the key. Making time for family.Enjoying the process and having fun while working, that is the beauty of life. Pursue meaningful goals and leave earth better than You found it, suggests Seneca.
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