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Stoicism & Philosophy
What’s On Your Tombstone?
Our commitments become an end unto themselves.
When you see someone often flashing their rank or position, or someone whose name is often bandied about in public, don’t be envious; such things are bought at the expense of life. . . . Some die on the first rungs of the ladder of success, others before they can reach the top, and the few that make it to the top of their ambition through a thousand indignities realize at the end it’s only for an inscription on their gravestone. — Seneca, On The Brevity of Life, 20
What’s Your Excuse?
What’s your excuse for not prioritizing the people you love? What’s your excuse for being hyper-productive within your career but not outside your career? These questions won’t apply to everyone, but can you relate in the slightest way?
“Sometimes our professional commitments can become an end unto themselves. A politician might justify the neglect of his family for his office, or a writer might believe her “genius” excuses antisocial or selfish behavior. Anyone with some perspective can see that, in fact, the politician is really just in love with fame, and the writer enjoys being condescending and feeling superior. Workaholics always make excuses for their selfishness. — The Daily Stoic, p222
