#479

Mentioned in 36 episodes

On the Shortness of Life

Book • 2005

In this essay, Seneca addresses the common complaint that life is too short by arguing that life is sufficiently long if one uses it wisely.

He contends that people waste much of their time in luxury, carelessness, and pointless activities.

Seneca emphasizes the importance of living in the present, pursuing philosophical wisdom, and avoiding the distractions that make life seem short.

He advises readers to organize each day as if it were their last and to avoid procrastination and the preoccupation with future or past concerns.

Mentioned by

Robert Rosenkranz

J.W. Bertolotti

Mentioned in 36 episodes

Mentioned by

Maria Popova

as a source for her writing on presence vs productivity.

#746: Jerry Seinfeld and Maria Popova

Mentioned by

Stephen West

in relation to the common misconception about the shortness of life.

Episode #012 ... The Hellenistic Age Pt. 3 - Hallmarks of Stoic Ethics

Mentioned by

Tim Ferriss

and

Maria Popova

in the context of Stoic philosophy and its relevance to modern life.

#626: Insights from Tara Brach, Ryan Holiday, Maria Popova, and Cal Newport

Mentioned by

Ryan Holiday

when discussing the importance of not wasting time.

Stop Wasting This. It’s Precious | You HAVE To Read These Books (Stoic-Inspired Picks)

Mentioned by

Tim Ferriss

, who uses Seneca's writings as a gateway into philosophy.

#460: Maria Popova on Writing, Workflow, and Workarounds (Repost)

Mentioned by

Ryan Holiday

as a must-read for understanding Stoic philosophy on time management.

They’ll Never GIVE It To You | 6 Simple Stoic Lessons To Feel More Peace

Mentioned by

Robert Rosenkranz

as a book in which Seneca advises life is long if you know how to use it.

You're Wasting The One Thing You Can’t Get Back

Mentioned by

Ryan Holiday

when discussing the importance of focusing on self-improvement rather than trivial pursuits.

How To Adjust To Difficult People | Becoming An Expert In What Matters

Recommended by

Ryan Holiday

as a powerful essay worth rereading.

This Is A Tragedy | Be Stingy With Time

Recommended by

Ryan Holiday

as one of the greatest essays on the human experience.

Who Possesses You? | 12 Must-Read Stoic Books To Get You Started

Recommended by

Andy Ramage

as a game-changer in stoicism.

Is it Time for a Tactical Break from Alcohol? With Andy Ramage (Re-Release) #277

Mentioned by

Dean Rickles

while discussing the shortness of life and the importance of making intentional choices.

#568 - Dean Rickles - How To Deal With The Shortness Of Life

Mentioned by

Ryan Holiday

as a book about the shortness of life.

Bozoma Saint John on the Power of Embracing Memento Mori

Mentioned by

Sahil Bloom

when discussing the importance of recognizing time as a valuable asset.

5 Intentions for 2025

Recommended by

Ryan Holiday

as a reflection on the brevity of life.

Have You Read These? | The Brutal Truth About Ego (The Stoics Warn About)

Mentioned by

Ryan Holiday

as an essay on the shortness of life.

Don’t Let Bad Times Make You A Bad Person | Underrated Stoic Advice For A Better Life (From Seneca)

Mentioned by

Doug Hirsch

when discussing a book he read in college that impacted his view on time management.

#216: Doug Hirsch, Owner of Arizona Drive Pickleball Team and Founder of Seneca Capital – Excellence is a habit

Mentioned by

Ryan Holiday

as a collection including "On the Shortness of Life", "Consolation to Helvia", and "On Tranquility of the Mind".

How To Read Seneca (The World’s Most Interesting Stoic)

Mentioned by

Ryan Holiday

as a book he rereads when grieving.

It’s Not A Bad Experience | Living Like A Stoic For 30 Days

Mentioned by

J.W. Bertolotti

as a source of practical wisdom for modern life.

On the Shortness of Life | Sundays with Seneca

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