The Via Stoica Podcast Stoic Quote: Seneca on Old Age and Outgrowing Desire
Welcome to the Via Stoica Podcast, the podcast on Stoicism
In this episode of the Via Stoica Podcast, we reflect on a powerful line from Seneca’s Letters to Lucilius, Letter 12: On Old Age:
“How nice is it to have outworn one’s desires and left them behind.”
Seneca, Letters to Lucilius, Letter 12
Seneca’s words remind us that there’s peace in growing beyond our old desires. What many see as loss, fewer passions, less drive, a quieter rhythm of life, can instead be freedom. The Stoics teach that as we age, we shed the compulsions that once ruled us and move closer to calm, reason, and virtue. Seneca himself wrote this late in life, finding new joy not in chasing but in observing, not in striving but in understanding.
This reflection connects deeply with Epictetus’ warning not to let our wants drive us, and with Marcus Aurelius’ reminder to “be content with what nature gives.” It points to the Stoic discipline of Desire, learning to want only what’s up to us, and to the discipline of Assent, choosing which thoughts and impulses deserve our attention.
So what can we take from Seneca’s view on aging today?
Learn to see detachment not as loss but as liberation.
Recognize how changing desires can open space for peace and reflection.
Use each stage of life to align more closely with virtue rather than vanity.
Seneca invites us to see old age not as a decline but as a refinement, the quiet strength that comes when we finally stop running after what never mattered.
For more, check out this related article with quotes on dealing with death:
https://viastoica.com/10-seneca-quotes-on-death/
And if you’re looking for more Stoic sayings, visit viastoica.com, where you’ll find hundreds of quotes with full references to the original texts:
https://viastoica.com/stoic-quotes
https://viastoica.com/marcus-aurelius-quotes
https://viastoica.com/epictetus-quotes
https://viastoica.com/seneca-quotes
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