On asthma and death
54:5
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.
5.
And I ask you, would you not say that one was the greatest of fools who believed that a lamp was worse off when it was extinguished than before it was lighted?
We mortals also are lighted and extinguished; the period of suffering comes in between, but on either side there is a deep peace.
For, unless I am very much mistaken, my dear Lucilius, we go astray in thinking that death only follows, when in reality it has both preceded us and will in turn follow us.
Whatever condition existed before our birth, is death.
For what does it matter whether you do not begin at all, or whether you leave off, inasmuch as the result of both these states is non-existence?
Book: Moral Letters Vol I
Subtitle: Seneca's timeless letters of advice and wisdom.
Author: Seneca
Chapter: On asthma and death
Location: Chapter 54, Section 5
Content:
5.
And I ask you, would you not say that one was the greatest of fools who believed that a lamp was worse off when it was extinguished than before it was lighted?
We mortals also are lighted and extinguished; the period of suffering comes in between, but on either side there is a deep peace.
For, unless I am very much mistaken, my dear Lucilius, we go astray in thinking that death only follows, when in reality it has both preceded us and will in turn follow us.
Whatever condition existed before our birth, is death.
For what does it matter whether you do not begin at all, or whether you leave off, inasmuch as the result of both these states is non-existence?