Summary

Portrait of Seneca Seneca On the shortness of life — Chapter XVII (1932)

And why is it that even their joys are uneasy from fear? Because they do not rest on stable causes, but are perturbed as groundlessly as they are born. But of what sort do you think those times are which even by their own confession are wretched, since even the joys by which they are exalted and lifted above mankind are by no means pure?
Source: Wikisource

Portrait of Seneca Seneca On the shortness of life — Chapter XVII (1932)

By great toil they attain what they wish, and with anxiety hold what they have attained; meanwhile they take no account of time that will never more return. New engrossments take the place of the old, hope leads to new hope, ambition to new ambition. They do not seek an end of their wretchedness, but change the cause. Have we been tormented by our own public honours? Those of others take more of our time.
Source: Wikisource

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