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I just started getting into reading philosophy and self help books. It's quite amazing how these people were so ahead of their time in terms of thinking. Seneca makes some great points. I like how he brings up the preoccupied people who are only concerned with the present, who don't realize how long they have until it's too late because they never realize how much time has passed and the uncertainty of the future. It's like pouring water in a cup with no bottom. How can you know how much water was poured when it isn't filling up but instead going right through the cup? At the same time, how do you know when the water will cease to flow? That's why it's so important to keep perspective of time. Don't just live in the moment. Understand the context of the moment. He stresses the importance of examining your past because it is solidified and unchangeable. There, you are able to observe those things you did well and those you didn't do well, so that you can make changes in the present to live a more productive and efficient life. He sums it up very astutely and simplistically with the little poem, "Life's finest day for wretched mortals here Is always first to flee."
I also liked the quote from page 27 when he says "we lose the day in waiting for the night and the night in fearing for the dawn." He is saying we are waiting for the perfect moment, or the moment of joy and pleasure. But in waiting we lose all the time preceding that moment. And as soon as the moment comes we fear it's end. It's a constant vicious cycle and we can never win.
Another great quote is on page 5 when he says "the greatest obstacle to living is expectancy, which hangs upon tomorrow and loses today. Very powerful insight. It's like we're waiting and waiting and hoping whatever we want comes our way, but in doing that, we lose the time at hand. Plus, waiting and hoping something works out is putting your money on the future which is uncertain. That's why expecting something to happen is not enough, because you're betting on luck instead of making it happen through the action you take. As Abraham Lincoln said, "the best way to predict the future is to create it."
There are many great quotes but the last one I will share is on page 56 when he says "No man is despised by another unless he is first despised by himself. An object and debased mind is susceptible to such insult; but if a man stirs himself to face the worst of disasters and defeats the evils which overwhelm others, then he wears those very sorrows like a sacred badge. For we are naturally disposed to admire more than anything else the man who shows fortitude in adversity." I think what he's basically saying is that you need to love yourself before anyone else can love you. People will show you the amount of love in proportion to the amount of love you give yourself. The two quotes that come to mind that relate are "those who stand for nothing will fall for anything" and "if there is no enemy within, the enemy outside can do no harm." If you conquer the worst of your fears, the same fears that destroys others, then you will take pride in the very thing that you feared, and people will admire and respect that you had the guts to face it, instead of chastising and scorning you. So you should feel no shame in your problems for they are the very thing that will earn you the admiration of others if you are able to conquer them, but more importantly, it will strengthen you and help you grow as a person. His other quote that piggy backs off that is "If a great man falls and remains great as he lies, people no more despise him than they stamp on a fallen temple, which the devout still warship as much as when it was standing." In other words, it's not about what happens to you or how you fall, but about how your react and carry yourself, and your character, that will resonate with others. Anyway these are just some examples of the bits of wisdom Seneca offers. Overall, there is some timeless wisdom in his essay and I believe it is worth your time to read it.
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- On the Shortness of Life: Adapted for the Contemporary Reader (Greek & Roman Stoic Philosophy)Lucius SenecaPaperbackEUR 6.53 shipping
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Customers find this philosophical book insightful and powerful, with a beautifully simple translation that makes it a wonderful quick read. They appreciate its brevity and consider it worth the money, with one customer noting how Seneca's writing translates well to modern times. Customers value its perspective on time management, with one mentioning how it adds urgency to life, while another highlights its comprehensive coverage of various topics.
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110 customers mention content, 105 positive, 5 negative
...A great book on understanding how we should perceive time in order to be satisfied with how we have spent out time at the end of our lives.Read more
Excellent. Much to ponderRead more
...I have shared the book with others who have also found it insightful and worth the read.Read more
Its a good book and definitely worth its price. You could see the view of a philosopher from our old world!...Read more
52 customers mention readability, 47 positive, 5 negative
A great read for anyone who questions the life of occupation and "busyness" that we have constructed for ourselves as we journey through our limited...Read more
Good read. However the book came with a slight tear on the cover. Was a bit disappointedRead more
...one of the best stoic philosophers and this book is a wonderful quick read for anyone interested in this beautiful philosophy.Read more
Great quick read with many valid points that has since been a reference to many decisions in my life....Read more
23 customers mention length, 18 positive, 5 negative
This is a short and enjoyable book on Stoicism. I must read for those interested in the topic. The price is definitely worth it.Read more
Sometimes the most meaningful writing is short and to the point, yet eloquent. This is it.Read more
...It has definitely made me more aware of my actions. It’s a short read so I recommend at-least reading 10-20pgs a day and try to reflect on what he...Read more
Shortness of life is classic time management--Seneca puts the vanity of life as the foremost reason we waste time and opportunities to do better.Read more
12 customers mention translation, 12 positive, 0 negative
...Overall, this modern translation serves as a concise yet impactful guide, encouraging readers to reflect on their priorities and make the most of...Read more
Sometimes the most meaningful writing is short and to the point, yet eloquent. This is it.Read more
I really enjoyed it. It translates very easily to modern times and helps to put our priorities into perspective.Read more
...This modern translation makes the ancient philosopher's wisdom accessible without diluting its power....Read more
11 customers mention value for money, 11 positive, 0 negative
...His writing can be a bit tough to get into, but it's worth it. Seriously, you should read it.Read more
...dollar for dollar this may be one of the most valuable books you will ever buy. Some of my favorite quotes include: "...Read more
...It's an affordable book, pick one up.Read more
Great book! Great price!Read more
9 customers mention time management, 8 positive, 1 negative
This volume illustrates how to extend your allotted lifetime by two or three millennia! It is worth a couple of hours to read!Read more
...encouraging readers to reflect on their priorities and make the most of their time.Read more
...He tells us to quit putting off living and stop wasting time on dumb stuff. His writing can be a bit tough to get into, but it's worth it....Read more
...The core takeaway is simple. Be mindful of and purposeful with your time....Read more
8 customers mention interesting topics, 7 positive, 1 negative
Really good pshilosophy on life and time !!! Interesting concepts and way to looking at things.Read more
...Wholly solid advice about how to live. Covers a wide range of topics. If you have a fear of death, this will help.Read more
Intellectually stimulating. I've read it over and over. Will contine to.Read more
To the point, a deep lesson in priorities and life choices. Written to pose questions not asked in the 21st century.Read more
8 customers mention perspective, 8 positive, 0 negative
Interesting perspective, will change the way you go on about daily life.Read more
As a 20 year old reading this book, post pandemic, it was definitely eye opening....Read more
...you on a thought-provoking journey of timeless revelations, eye-opening insights, and profound life lessons....Read more
An in-depth and insightful perspective on a dimension we forever take for granted - life....Read more
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