On the Shortness of Life: The Stoic Classic [Hardcover]

Make each of your days meaningful using Seneca's immortal guidance

In On the Shortness of Life: The Stoic Classic, Tom Butler-Bowdon introduces the work of Lucius Annaeus Seneca, an ancient Roman philosopher who wrote on the fleeting nature of existence and the need to live in a way that is worthy of the short time we have on this planet. In the book, you'll learn how to go beyond busyness and shallow pursuits and fill your days with purpose. The happy life is the virtuous life.

Seneca explains how to:

• Spend time in reflection and truly honour yourself and your value.
• Fulfil your duties to family and society yet remain mentally independent.
• Separate what matters from what merely pleases the ego.

Perfect for anyone seeking meaning and purpose in their daily lives, On the Shortness of Life is an extraordinary reminder of the transient nature of life that shows you how to make each moment count.

Introduction vii

About Tom Butler-Bowdon xxviii

Chapter One On the Shortness of Life 1

Chapter Two On the Happy Life 45

Chapter Three On Peace of Mind 95

Lucius Annaeus Seneca was a Stoic philosopher of Ancient Rome. He was also a lawyer, writer, and teacher-advisor to the young Emperor Nero. Seneca experienced great power, wealth, and fame, as well as exile and accusations of corruption. Parallel to his political life, Seneca wrote many tragedies, essays, and letters. He died in A.D. 65.

Tom Butler-Bowdon is series editor of the Capstone Classics series and has written introductions to Plato's Republic, Epictetus's Discourses, Machiavelli's The Prince, and Adam Smith's &lS+