It is not that we have a short space of time, but that we waste much of it. Life is long enough, and it has been given in sufficiently generous measure to allow the accomplishment of the very greatest things if the whole of it is well invested. But when it is squandered in luxury and carelessness, when it is devoted to no good end, forced at last by the ultimate necessity we perceive that it has passed away before we were aware that it was passing. So it is—the life we receive is not short, but we make it so, nor do we have any lack of it, but are wasteful of it. Just as great and princely wealth is scattered in a moment when it comes into the hands of a bad owner, while wealth however limited, if it is entrusted to a good guardian, increases by use, so our life is amply long for him who orders it properly.
On the Shortness of Life 1.3
Today’s meditation
The underlying Stoic issue here is the wise use of time. As Seneca notes, "Life is long enough, and it has been given in sufficiently generous measure to allow the accomplishment of the very greatest things if the whole of it is well invested" (On the Shortness of Life 1.3). This passage reveals that living well is not about the length of our life, but about how we choose to use the time we have.
It highlights the importance of being mindful of how we spend our time, and not wasting it on "luxury and carelessness" (On the Shortness of Life 1.3). Instead, we should strive to "order it properly" (On the Shortness of Life 1.3), focusing on what is truly important and meaningful to us. This requires discipline, self-awareness, and a clear sense of priorities.
To apply this insight today, one could start by taking a step back to assess how they are currently using their time. Are there things that are consuming their time without adding value to their life? Are there activities or pursuits that they have been putting off, but which are truly important to them? By being more intentional about how they use their time, they can begin to make the most of the life they have been given.
As you reflect on this passage, consider the question: What is one thing you can do today to make better use of your time, and to invest it in something that truly matters to you?