On despising death
24:20
Book Subtitle: Seneca's timeless letters of advice and wisdom.
Book Description: Full of insight and wisdom, Seneca's letters are a Stoic treasure. They've influenced famous philosophers, leaders, and students over the centuries. Each letter can be read on its own. By reading this volume you'll absorb the thoughts of a thoughtful Stoic aimed at living well.
20.
For every day a little of our life is taken from us; even when we are growing, our life is on the wane.
We lose our childhood, then our boyhood, and then our youth.
Counting even yesterday, all past time is lost time; the very day which we are now spending is shared between ourselves and death.
It is not the last drop that empties the water-clock, but all that which previously has flowed out; similarly, the final hour when we cease to exist does not of itself bring death; it merely of itself completes the death-process.
We reach death at that moment, but we have been a long time on the way.
Book: Moral Letters Vol I
Subtitle: Seneca's timeless letters of advice and wisdom.
Author: Seneca
Chapter: On despising death
Location: Chapter 24, Section 20
Content:
20.
For every day a little of our life is taken from us; even when we are growing, our life is on the wane.
We lose our childhood, then our boyhood, and then our youth.
Counting even yesterday, all past time is lost time; the very day which we are now spending is shared between ourselves and death.
It is not the last drop that empties the water-clock, but all that which previously has flowed out; similarly, the final hour when we cease to exist does not of itself bring death; it merely of itself completes the death-process.
We reach death at that moment, but we have been a long time on the way.