Lucius Annaeus Seneca

On the Shortness of Life is one of Seneca's most powerful and practical reflections on time, mortality, distraction, ambition, and the art of living with purpose.

The Practical Stoicism Collection brings together three essential works from the Stoic tradition.

The original Latin name of this important essay by Seneca, written around 60 CE, was De Beneficiis, which is why it is generally translated as ‘On Benefits'. However, it is more usefully titled ‘On Favours', because this is what it is essentially about: the giving and receiving of favours...

On the Shortness of Life: A new modern translationIs life truly short, or do we simply squander it? In this essential treatise, Seneca argues that nature is generous, yet we are wasteful. While we jealously guard our money, we carelessly give away our most precious asset: time.