On the Shortness of Life [and other works]

This short, classical book comprises three letters/essays ('On the Shortness of Life', 'Consolation to Helvia' and 'On Tranquillity of Mind'), all of which are good even if only the first is essential. Seneca expands upon the reality of life, how to bear its trials, and how to use one's limited time wisely, all in a lucid rhetorical style. There is plenty to accept and plenty to dispute, and in assessing stoicism as a philosophy there is always the problem of "the difference between living simply and living carelessly" (pg. 103). Particularly in the modern world, when systems are more easily bent to those people who have the advantage and more overpowering of those who are not, how much of what is laid upon you is to be accepted, and show more how much is to be challenged? It is an interesting question, and Seneca's thoughts upon this eternal human angst inform even in modern times. show less

This book I bought at Book People in Austin, both because I have a weakness for Penguin's Great Ideas series in general, and also because the title intrigued me. It is a collection of writings to friends and his mother on how to live happier, more satisfied lives, and how to hold up under adversity by organizing one's life according to philosophy and reason.

It is anti-time-management. In fact, I want to print out long excerpts and slip them inside of time management best sellers at bookstores. "What are you looking at? To what goal are you straining? The whole future lies in uncertainty: live immediately."

Really, it's marvelous how accessible this work is despite the millennia that have passed since it was written. As relevant as it show more ever was as a guide to living well.

Highly recommended. show less

A vida não é curta, nós é que usamos mal nosso tempo. Sêneca escreveu isso quase dois mil anos antes do celular. Hoje acho que ele surtaria ao ver tantas cabeças inclinadas sobre o aparelho.

I think this review is really gonna say something unique and insightful about Seneca. Let me gather my thoughts real quick.

Nevermind. For people with problems like mine, the book speaks directly to them. I have a couple successful friends, though, who think stoicism is a yeah-duh philosophy. Fuck you people, not everyone's at put together as you are! I kid, I kid.

The first few chapters are so densely quotable with takeaways ("such things are more impressive in their fulfillment than in their promise"), that it got pointless to take notes after a while, since ultimately I just need to reread the first few chapters every once in a while to keep it all fresh. The middle lags a bit, and the end picks right back up.

What hits home is not show more the volume of "good quotes" and takeaways, those things are easy to parrot off and accomplish little. But the lens through which Seneca views problems is what I found most valuable, and what I'd actually want to revisit and implement in my own life. For analytical skeptics, such an unscientific interest is pretty unusual, (phrases like the early 2000's "paradigm shift" raise the bullshit detector) but every once in a while that bullshit detector actually acts as a firewall, letting some things in while keeping out the rest. Astrology, Tony Robbins, they can stand at the door. Seneca can, and must, come on in. show less

I’ve read this as a Blinkist summary. So my review is based on this summary not on the original book. I actually found it a bit tricky to distinguish between what Seneca actually wrote and what the author had inserted. Certainly the author’s views intrude in places. Seneca was a tutor to Nero, the infamous Roman emperor who–according to legend–played violin while Rome burned to the ground, and was one of his age's most prominent thinkers and playwrights. Adhering to the Stoic tradition of accepting one’s place in the world, many of his thoughts ring as true today as they did back then.
Life is short if you waste it on trivialities. Most people spend the majority of their time engaged in trivial activities–even if these show more activities don’t seem trivial to them. But the thing about trivial activities is that they make life seem short.
People tend to think that, once they’ve achieved all their goals, they’ll have time to enjoy life. But it rarely works out this way. What usually happens is this: people spend their life preparing for life.....The Emperor Augustus is a case in point. He spoke endlessly of quietude, of the calm and rest he’d enjoy upon retirement from his public duties. But this longed-for day never came.
Life will also seem short to those who pursue a life of luxury. These people can't even enjoy their indulgences.
But worst of all are those who seek glory after death. These people get wrapped up in planning for a posterity that’s not even theirs.
Say a ship left port and spent the next year being thrown about by a mighty storm. It would be inaccurate to claim that, during this time, it had steered a successful and purposeful course, even if it did make it safely back to harbor. Well, the same can be said of life.
Of course, it’s important to plot a course and then stick to it, but it’s also worth remembering that not every path should be pursued.
Then there are those who devote their prime years to lust, greed and gluttony. They keep telling themselves that, someday, they’ll amend their ways–but they never do.
It’s pointless working for someone whose aims and convictions don’t agree with your own. Doing so is the surest path to a short life......When stuck in such a situation, people moan that their boss or supervisor doesn’t listen to their wishes or opinions. But if these people can’t find the time to listen to themselves and pursue their own courses, why should anybody else?
You can choose to be educated by the world’s greatest minds.......the fact remains that you can forge your own path in education and self-improvement......Pick your philosopher, and discover new ways to tackle life, from the everyday trifles to universal preoccupations. A great thinker can be both a solace and a companion.....they’re always available. And when you’re done, you can just set them back on the shelf.....And even if you’re nearing the end of life, reading is still a boon, for by reading you can learn not only how to live but how to face death unflinchingly......You have to educate yourself purposefully. Life is long enough to devote yourself to self-knowledge and true wisdom. The great minds are your torchbearers in this task.
True satisfaction springs from within. The wise person is self-reliant and independent. The loss of status or money is no real setback to him, since his sense of self is not founded on external circumstances......The instant you start to covet unnecessary material items, however, you will feel that you are stuck in a sort of poverty......It all boils down to this: the important things in life can’t be removed or diminished by others. It’s simply not within the capacity of a mere mortal to rob you of your critical faculties or to eradicate your ability to appreciate the beauty of the mountains or the sea......So remember: self-worth comes from within. Only you can determine how satisfied you are with the world around you.
To ensure a tranquil mind, tailor your career to your personality and don’t forget to enjoy yourself!
A life filled with doubts and regrets is no life at all. So what should you do? There is no one path that will ensure tranquility. We must each forge our own. No matter how you conduct your life, be sure to serve mankind with actions, writing or your intellect–at least, to the best of your abilities.
Accept only those enterprises that you are sure you will finish.....And don’t be too harsh on yourself once you have selected your course. You will enjoy the journey all the more if you have confidence in yourself and your actions.
The second thing to remember is that overexertion will smother your faculties and sap your spirit. In short, don’t overdo it.....instead, set aside some time for yourself. Relax. Even Cato, the famous Roman, used to drink a glass of wine when he returned home from a long day of statesmanly activity......And Socrates, when he wasn’t philosophizing, enjoyed playing with the local children......So don’t forget the value of pleasure, and don’t think you shouldn’t enjoy yourself.
Moderation is the best policy.
The key message in this book: To live a fulfilling life you shouldn’t seek immediate validation or base your worth upon the judgments of others. Instead, draw on the knowledge and wisdom of those who have gone before you. This will help you find your place in the world and allow you to contribute to the greater good. Mental tranquility should not be underestimated.
Generally speaking, I found myself in accord with most of what Seneca says. Impressive to find such powerful thoughts and writing some 2000 years old. Five stars from me. show less

Pequenos ensaios do estóico Sêneca vol 10: é preciso saber viver; na vida, viver o dia; aumentar o tempo de bola em jogo. Mas como? O de sempre: exercendo a virtude, doando o seu tempo para beneficiar o estado, na vida pública e política, mas sem perder de vista a boa utilização do tempo livre - assim atingindo a boa vida - saber viver e saber morrer. Trabalhar produtivamente e exercer o tempo para si, o tempo livre, com virtude. Quiçá estudando os filósofos, amigos para toda a hora, a abrir o caminho para a imortalidade. Pois o tempo de nossa vida deveria ser suficiente, se bem gasto, para alcançarmos realizações, feitos, ficarmos satisfeitos. E que esse viver a vida deve ser vivido, e não postergado como um espaço de show more lazer, de aposentadoria. Mesmo porque quando feito assim, muitos acabam se lamentando de não poder ser mais ativos, não se adaptando. E Sêneca provê uma série de exemplos de época, alguns bem sarcásticos, de como não viver bem (ele mesmo não observando a secura virtuosa que um estóico poderia se impor ao evitar os pequenos prazeres da maledicência). show less

It's quite underwhelming. I expected some deep wisdom, but instead I got roasted for having any interests and goals other than philosophy. Which, for the record, interests me too. But maybe not this guy's writings tho. I wish I spent my life better than on reading this one, but on the plus side, it was short.