The Daily Stoic

Seneca On the Shortness of Life

Jan 31, 2021

James Romm, an author and classics professor at Bard College, shares insights from his translation of Seneca's thoughts on mortality. He explains how understanding and accepting death can enhance our quality of life. Romm discusses Seneca’s reflections on living courageously and with moral integrity by embracing our mortality. The conversation delves into human resilience, showcasing historical figures who faced death with dignity. Ultimately, it challenges listeners to reframe their fears about mortality as a path to freedom and virtue.

29:04

Episode guests

James Romm

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Seneca emphasizes confronting death as a means to live a more purposeful and courageous life, shifting fear into acceptance.

The podcast illustrates how Stoic principles can enhance personal growth and resilience by providing practical tools for modern challenges.

Deep dives

The Stoic Virtues and Daily Reflections

The podcast emphasizes the relevance of ancient Stoic philosophy to contemporary life, highlighting the four Stoic virtues: courage, justice, wisdom, and temperance. These virtues serve as a foundation for daily meditations aimed at fostering personal growth and reflection. The host elaborates on the importance of taking time to engage with philosophical principles, especially during weekends when individuals can slow down and contemplate life’s challenges. By integrating Stoic philosophy into daily routines, listeners are encouraged to cultivate resilience and thoughtfulness in their lives.

Intro

5min

Embracing Mortality: Seneca's Reflections on Death and Life

5min

Reflections on Mortality and the Human Spirit

3min

Embracing Mortality: A Philosophical Journey

14min

Confronting Fear: A Stoic Perspective on Death and Perception

7min

Today’s episode features a section from James Romm’s How to Die: An Ancient Guide to the End of Life. How To Die is a modern translation and collection of Seneca’s musings on the shortness of life.

James Romm is an author and professor of classics at Bard College in Annandale, NY. His specialty is in ancient Greek and Roman culture and civilization. His work has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, the London Review of Books, the Daily Beast, and more.

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