On the Shortness of Life: Living Well Before It's Too Late

by Seneca

You’re not short on time. You’re just wasting it.

In On the Shortness of Life, Stoic philosopher Lucius Annaeus Seneca delivers one of the most powerful and urgent messages of all life is long—if you know how to use it. Written over 2,000 years ago, this timeless essay challenges modern readers to reconsider how they spend their days, prioritize what matters, and make every moment count.

Seneca doesn’t just talk about philosophy—he gives you a mirror. This concise but profound work will help

Stop procrastinating and start living deliberatelyRecognize how distractions steal your most precious resourceMake peace with mortality by finding meaning in the presentLive with clarity, intention, and deep purposePresented in a fresh, accessible format, this edition brings Seneca’s sharp wisdom to life for today’s readers—whether you’re navigating burnout, seeking direction, or simply want to live more fully.

“It is not that we have a short time to live, but that we waste a lot of it.” – Seneca

Perfect for fans of The Daily Stoic, Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, and those looking to lead a more intentional, fulfilling life.

Genres: Philosophy, Self Help, Classics

126 pages, Paperback

Published January 6, 2026

About the author

Lucius Annaeus Seneca (often known simply as Seneca or Seneca the Younger); ca. 4 BC – 65 AD) was a Roman Stoic philosopher, statesman, and dramatist of the Silver Age of Latin literature. He was tutor and later advisor to emperor Nero, who later forced him to commit suicide for alleged complicity in the Pisonian conspiracy to have him assassinated.

Reviews

[Mahfoud Hentouri · Rating 4 out of 5]

life is not short we just wast most of it

[Eric Burson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid short read and a good way to begin the year. I pick out something new each time I read this one. Remember that life is short, how we live it determines the quality of life.