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    Cover of On the shortness of life

    On the shortness of life

    Seneca the Younger · 2005

    The Stoic writings of the philosopher Seneca offer powerful insights into the art of living, the importance of reason and morality, and continue to provide profound guidance to many through their eloquence, lucidity and timeless wisdom. Throughout history, some books have changed the world. They have transformed the way we see ourselves--and each other. They have inspired debate, dissent, war and revolution. They have enlightened, outraged, provoked and comforted. They have enriched lives--and destroyed them. Now, Penguin brings you the works of the great thinkers, pioneers, radicals and visionaries whose ideas shook civilization, and helped make us who we are. Penguin's Great Ideasseries features twelve groundbreaking works by some of history's most prodigious thinkers, and each volume is beautifully packaged with a unique type-drive design that highlights the bookmaker's art. Offering great literature in great packages at great prices, this series is ideal for those readers who want to explore and savor the Great Ideas that have shaped the world.

    PhilosophyProductivity & Self-Improvement
    Open LibraryAmazon
    Stats for nerds
    4recommend
    4mentions
    4people
    2011–2022years
    100% recommend

    Mentions per year

    2011201320152017201920212022

    What Hacker News says

    1. shepherdjerredAug 2022
      I think Seneca addresses this well in 'On the Shortness of Life'[0][1].

      Essentially we are very wise with our money -- we don't just give it away freely, because it is of value to us. We aren't as wise with our time -- we give it to anyone that asks. If you're frugal with your time -- no longer giving your time to others except when you want to, your life suddenly becomes longer and more effectively used.

      Of course there are a few missing puzzle pieces like what is worth spending time on, how do you motivate yourself to fill this time, etc.

      [0]: This is what I read: https://smile.amazon.com/Shortness-Life-Penguin-Great-Ideas/...

      [1]: Free online: https://www.forumromanum.org/literature/seneca_younger/brev_...

      thread
    2. pmoriartyFeb 2018
      I strongly recommend Seneca's On the Shortness of Life. It's one of the best books I've read, and at the very top on the subject of Carpe Diem.

      https://www.amazon.com/Shortness-Life-Penguin-Great-Ideas/dp...

      thread
    3. loliveMay 2015
      On the Shortness of Life

      http://www.forumromanum.org/literature/seneca_younger/brev_e...

      thread
    4. ascuttlefishApr 2011
      My favourite reminder of the importance of not wasting time is On the Shortness of Life by the Roman Stoic Seneca: http://www.forumromanum.org/literature/seneca_younger/brev_e...
      thread

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