18.
See how blind our minds are!
What I speak of as in the future is happening at this minute, and a large portion of it has already happened; for it consists of our past lives.
But we are mistaken in fearing the last day, seeing that each day, as it passes, counts just as much to the credit of death.
The failing step does not produce, it merely announces, weariness.
The last hour reaches, but every hour approaches, death.
Death wears us away, but does not whirl us away.
For this reason the noble soul, knowing its better nature, while taking care to conduct itself honourably and seriously at the post of duty where it is placed, counts none of these extraneous objects as its own, but uses them as if they were a loan, like a foreign visitor hastening on his way.
Book: Moral Letters Vol III
Subtitle: Seneca's timeless letters of advice and wisdom.
Author: Seneca
Chapter: More about virtue
Location: Chapter 120, Section 18
Content:
18.
See how blind our minds are!
What I speak of as in the future is happening at this minute, and a large portion of it has already happened; for it consists of our past lives.
But we are mistaken in fearing the last day, seeing that each day, as it passes, counts just as much to the credit of death.
The failing step does not produce, it merely announces, weariness.
The last hour reaches, but every hour approaches, death.
Death wears us away, but does not whirl us away.
For this reason the noble soul, knowing its better nature, while taking care to conduct itself honourably and seriously at the post of duty where it is placed, counts none of these extraneous objects as its own, but uses them as if they were a loan, like a foreign visitor hastening on his way.