On the Shortness of Life

By: Lucius Seneca

Narrated by: Clint Arthur

Length: 1 hr and 13 mins

Publisher's summary

The majority of mortals, Paulinus, complain bitterly of the spitefulness of Nature, because we are born for a brief span of life, because even this space that has been granted to us rushes by so speedily and so swiftly that all save a very few find life at an end just when they are getting ready to live. Nor is it merely the common herd and the unthinking crowd that bemoan what is, as men deem it, an universal ill; the same feeling has called forth complaint also from men who were famous.

Public Domain (P)2015 Clint Arthur

nice and short

interesting principles, ideas and opinions on the shortness of our life. some of the words weren't clearly spoken but overall might help some people who are struggling with their lives but still are open minded.

Timeless wisdom

The book is short, as is life. The wisdom in this book is plain yet necessary. We live like our life is infinitely long, yet at the face of death we are haunted by its shortness, by wasted time, by our futile efforts on meaningless tasks and by our disrespect to the value of time. The lesson in this short book is more than just living like it’s your last day in the world. It is about the value of time and how it is spent, how we should question our every action and see what value it adds to a fulfilled life. Those who don’t waste time won’t regret its end, for they would have lived every moment to the fullest. That’s the essence of the book if explained in a sentence. Yet, every reader should refrain from the summarized wisdom and reflect on the timeless lesson in the context of their own life. That’s the value that this book brings.

Short book with a great message.

Short book with a great message. I found it well worth my time to listen.

enjoyed it

great little book. I would recommend it to others. especially if you are looking for an intro into philosophy.

So much value-So little time

This book requires multiple readings
So much value to be had. Thank you. Ironic that this review requires additional words in order to submit.

An Excellent And Interesting Essay

I completely enjoyed this work. It is not lengthy. I did read along on Kindle. There is much of Roman history included in this essay, the knowledge of which adds to the enjoyment of it. The essay provides much fuel for thought. Thank You...

Alright

I think reading it would have been better or maybe more context into the time period. Lots of good stuff sprinkled throughout, though sprinkled.

Great book

This is a very very good book. I would highly recommend it if you want wisdom.

A lovely reading.

This piece is something I wish I listened to twenty years ago. Clint read it very well. There’s much wisdom to be gained in under one hour.

enlightening but very enjoyable

when I need a reminder not to waste my time and why not Seneca is more than willing. the narrator was great and made it enjoyable.