On the Shortness of Life

Seneca’s central theme focuses on the impermanence of time. This theme is established immediately in “On the Shortness of Life,” in response to what he sees as the common complaint that life is short; Seneca disagrees with the masses’ interpretation of time as short and instead offers the Stoic perspective that everyone’s time is sufficient if used well (1). Seneca returns to this argument repeatedly in his treatise, comparing the common Roman response to the idea of mortality to Stoic principles (3-4, 9-13) and using famous figures to show how the application of Stoic principles would have enabled them to lead happier and more fulfilled lives (6-8). In Seneca’s philosophy, it is taking time for self-reflection, philosophical thought, and contemplation that gives life its meaning and mitigates the sense of life as too brief.

Although Seneca posits that life can be long enough when used wisely in each moment, his argument does rely on an understanding of time as finite and fleeting. Indeed, by emphasizing its nature as a valuable and irreplaceable resource, Seneca suggests that time is the most important commodity in the Roman world and should be spent wisely. Seneca contrasts this with the behaviour of the Emperor himself, who set a poor example for his populace by “squandering” (2, 4, 5, 15) much of his time on exotic goods, games, banquets, and other luxuries while Seneca advised him and others in his writings that time is best spent on philosophy.