004 Seneca: On the Terrors of Death

"KEEP ON AS you have begun, and make all possible haste, so that you may have longer enjoyment of an improved mind, one that is at peace with itself."

What is the better way to live? To live to be happy, or live to be at peace? 

To live to be happy means persuing with ambition to acquire a fleeting moment that will pass in time. It's a reinforcing spiral. Happiness can never be achieved. Peacefulness is being content with what is there. It's point in time where there is no need for anything. 

"No man can have a peaceful life who thinks too much about lengthening it, or believes that living through many consulships is a great blessing. Rehearse this thought every day, that you may be able to depart from life contentedly; for many men clutch and cling to life, even as those who are carried down a rushing stream clutch and cling to briars and sharp rocks."

Being afraid to die implies being scared to live. The long life is not the good life. 

Learn to let go. Even learn to let go of life. When the time comes, Death must be met with indifference or acceptance. Fear makes us slaves, fear of death makes us slaves. We also should not race towards Death. The peaceful man does not seek Death out. 

"Most men ebb and flow in wretchedness between the fear of death and the hardships of life; they are unwilling to live, and yet they do not know how to die."

There a way to die. Learn it. Get ready because Death can take us at anytime.

"No man has ever been so far advanced by Fortune that she did not threaten him as greatly as she had previously indulged him. Do not trust her seeming calm; in a moment the sea is moved to its depths."

No matter what's been given it can be taken just as quick. Prepare to lose it.

"Why do you voluntarily deceive yourself and require to be told now for the first time what fate it is that you have long been labouring under? Take my word for it: since the day you were born you are being led thither."

There's no escaping Death. You were born to die. Keep this in mind. Whatever happens, good or bad, happy or sad, your life will end. That is okay, it's natural. Knowing and not fearing the inevitable sets you free, and is peace. 

How can you harmed in life when life is fleeting. 

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