On the shortness of life
49:3
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.
3.
Do you ask the reason for this?
All past time is in the same place; it all presents the same aspect to us, it lies together.
Everything slips into the same abyss.
Besides, an event which in its entirety is of brief compass cannot contain long intervals.
The time which we spend in living is but a point, nay, even less than a point.
But this point of time, infinitesimal as it is, nature has mocked by making it seem outwardly of longer duration; she has taken one portion thereof and made it infancy, another childhood, another youth, another the gradual slope, so to speak, from youth to old age, and old age itself is still another.
How many steps for how short a climb!
Book: Moral Letters Vol I
Subtitle: Seneca's timeless letters of advice and wisdom.
Author: Seneca
Chapter: On the shortness of life
Location: Chapter 49, Section 3
Content:
3.
Do you ask the reason for this?
All past time is in the same place; it all presents the same aspect to us, it lies together.
Everything slips into the same abyss.
Besides, an event which in its entirety is of brief compass cannot contain long intervals.
The time which we spend in living is but a point, nay, even less than a point.
But this point of time, infinitesimal as it is, nature has mocked by making it seem outwardly of longer duration; she has taken one portion thereof and made it infancy, another childhood, another youth, another the gradual slope, so to speak, from youth to old age, and old age itself is still another.
How many steps for how short a climb!