On the Shortness of Life

“It is not that we have a short time to live, but that we waste a lot of it. Life is long enough, and a sufficiently generous amount has been given to us for the highest achievements if it were all well invested.”

Seneca reveals his thesis in the opening of his essay with this quote, clearly telling the reader that life is not inherently short; instead, it may seem that way because people waste it. This quote draws attention to the central themes of the essay, such as the importance of presence, managing time well, and the pursuit of wisdom. Essentially, this quote underscores that the quantity of time one has doesn’t matter as much as its quality. One ought to make the most of the time one is given.

“It is the small part of life we really live. Indeed, all the rest is not life but merely time.”

This quote draws a distinction between mere existence and true living. Seneca implies that the most fulfilling moments in life are less frequent than the moments of discontent, which dominate most people’s lifespans. Existence allows one to passively undergo their life whereas true life is characterized by deep understanding, a sense of purpose, and deliberate actions.

“People are frugal in guarding their personal property; but as soon as it comes to squandering time they are most wasteful of the one thing in which it is right to be stingy.”

Seneca characterizes the masses as paradoxical in this quote, where he explores how certain resources are protected and others are not. Materialism compels men to guard their possessions for their value, whereas time is unvalued and often wasted. Distractions, indulgences, and frivolous activities all hinder personal growth towards virtue and understanding, which renders them a waste.