Essays 10: On the Shortness of Life Audiobook (Free)

In the Shortness of Life was written by Seneca around the entire year 49AD. He argues that we waste so much time because we usually do not properly value it. We expend great effort in protecting other valuables such as money and home, but because period shows up intangible, we allow others to occupy it and take time away from us. Wise people, alternatively, understand that period is the most valuable of all resources, and with work can free of charge themselves from exterior control to engage in significant about Essays 10: For the Shortness of Lifestyle introspection and generate an intentional lifestyle.

Seneca urges his readers to reside in the present and adapt themselves to a purposeful existence in contract with Nature. Only in so doing, can one then really unlock both previous and future. The completeness of each present moment allows one’s consciousness to expand towards the equal of that from the universe, and obtain true virtue and pleasure.

The statements which urge Paulinus to retire from public existence are in notable contrast to Seneca’s advice in his article Of Tranquillity of Mind to seek public employments to be able to render lifestyle attractive. Nevertheless, in his related treatise, On Leisure, Seneca makes the idea that there is no inconsistency and that one may serve the higher community in either or both tasks

Translation by John W Basore, made by Vox Stoica

Seneca’s Essays Series:

1) Of providence – addressed to Lucilius

2) In the Firmness of the Wise Guy – addressed to Serenus

3-5) Of Anger (Books 1-3) – addressed to his brother Novatus

6) Of Consolation – addressed to Marcia

7) Of the Happy Life – addressed to Gallio

8) Of Leisure – dealt with to Serenus

9) Of Tranquillity of Mind – resolved to Serenus

10) In the Shortness of Lifestyle – addressed to Paulinus

11) Of Consolation – addressed to Polybius

12) Of Consolation – addressed to Helvia