On the futility of planning ahead
101:15
Book Subtitle: Seneca's timeless letters of advice and wisdom.
Book Description: The final volume of Seneca's moral letters. Common Stoic themes emerge again and again: the unreliability of fortune, the ability to form Stoic resolve, and the importance of virtue.
15.
Many men have been prepared to enter upon still more shameful bargains: to betray friends in order to live longer themselves, or voluntarily to debase their children and so enjoy the light of day which is witness of all their sins.
We must get rid of this craving for life, and learn that it makes no difference when your suffering comes, because at some time you are bound to suffer.
The point is, not how long you live, but how nobly you live.
And often this living nobly means that you cannot live long.
Farewell.
Book: Moral Letters Vol III
Subtitle: Seneca's timeless letters of advice and wisdom.
Author: Seneca
Chapter: On the futility of planning ahead
Location: Chapter 101, Section 15
Content:
15.
Many men have been prepared to enter upon still more shameful bargains: to betray friends in order to live longer themselves, or voluntarily to debase their children and so enjoy the light of day which is witness of all their sins.
We must get rid of this craving for life, and learn that it makes no difference when your suffering comes, because at some time you are bound to suffer.
The point is, not how long you live, but how nobly you live.
And often this living nobly means that you cannot live long.
Farewell.