Seneca Letters #71 – On the Supreme Good

Seneca’s Letters to Lucilius #71 provides insights into the importance of focusing on the present moment rather than worrying about the past or the future. The letter was written to encourage Lucilius to live in the present and not let his mind wander to what has happened or what might happen in the future.

In this letter, Seneca begins by telling Lucilius that there is no greater waste of time than worrying about the past or the future. He says that the past is gone and cannot be changed, and the future is uncertain and cannot be predicted. Therefore, the only thing we have control over is the present moment.

Seneca advises Lucilius to focus on the present moment and make the most of it. He writes, “Therefore, Lucilius, do as you write me that you are doing: hold every hour in your grasp. Lay hold of today’s task, and you will not need to depend so much upon tomorrow’s. While we are postponing, life speeds by.”

Seneca emphasizes that every moment is valuable and should not be wasted. He tells Lucilius to use his time wisely and to make the most of every opportunity that comes his way. He writes, “So it is: we are not given a short life but we make it short, and we are not ill-supplied but wasteful of it…Life is long if you know how to use it.”

Seneca also reminds Lucilius that life is unpredictable and that we should not take it for granted. He advises him to cherish every moment and to live life to the fullest. He writes, “Life is like a play: it matters not how long the acting is prolonged, but how good it is; it is not important at what point you stop. Stop wherever you will – only make sure that you round it off with a good ending.”

The most important quote from this letter is, “While we are postponing, life speeds by.” This quote highlights the importance of living in the present moment and not procrastinating. Seneca reminds us that time is a precious commodity that cannot be regained once it is lost. Therefore, we must make the most of every moment and seize the opportunities that come our way.

In conclusion, Seneca’s Letter to Lucilius #71 provides valuable insights into the importance of living in the present moment and not worrying about the past or the future. Seneca reminds us that every moment is valuable and that we must make the most of it. He advises us to seize the opportunities that come our way and to cherish every moment. The letter serves as a reminder that life is unpredictable and that we should not take it for granted. Instead, we should focus on the present moment and live life to the fullest.