1
of
1
On the Shortness of Life
Series: Penguin Great Ideas
Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.
Check link for latest rating. ( 43,786 ratings, 3,484 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still
learning, it may not be perfect - your
feedback is welcome!
Summary
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$1999
Unit price
/
Unavailable
OVERNIGHT NZ-WIDE DELIVERY
Found a better price? Request a price match
On the Shortness of Life
$1999
Unit price
/
Unavailable
Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
The Stoic writings of the philosopher Seneca offer powerful insights into the art of living and the importance of reason and morality and continue to provide profound guidance to many through their eloquence, lucidity and timeless wisdom.
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
still learning, it may not be perfect - your
feedback is welcome!
Description
Seneca’s On the Shortness of Life is a classical masterpiece that delves into the age-old human concern of time and mortality. Written as letters and discourses to his friend Paulinus, Seneca reflects on how people squander their time in the pursuits of ambition, trivial pleasures, and material gains. Through eloquent and impassioned prose, Seneca urges us to embrace a more meaningful life by focusing on wisdom, virtue, and self-examination.
Throughout history, some books have changed the world. They have transformed the way we see ourselves and each other. They have inspired debate, dissent, war, and revolution. They have enlightened, outraged, provoked, and comforted. They have enriched lives and destroyed them. Now Penguin brings you the works of the great thinkers, pioneers, radicals, and visionaries whose ideas shook civilisation, and helped make us who we are.
The Stoic writings of the philosopher Seneca offer powerful insights into the art of living, the importance of reason and morality, and continue to provide profound guidance to many through their eloquence, lucidity, and timeless wisdom. On the Shortness of Life is a compelling read for anyone interested in philosophy, personal development, or the pursuit of a balanced and fulfilling life.
Written during the Roman Empire's tumultuous times, Seneca’s thoughts are remarkably relevant today. His treatise serves as a potent reminder that life, although seemingly long, is often wasted on superficialities. Instead, he advocates for a life dedicated to self-improvement, rational thought, and living in accordance with nature.
This edition by Penguin is a part of their series that brings forth the seminal works of great thinkers. The clarity and persuasiveness of Seneca's arguments make this book a timeless treasure that continues to inspire readers across the globe to reflect deeply on their life's priorities and to make the most of the limited time they have.
Engage with Seneca's enduring wisdom and let his words elevate your understanding of life, helping you to live intentionally and wisely. On the Shortness of Life is not just a book; it’s a timeless companion on your journey toward a more meaningful existence.
Series: Penguin Great Ideas
View all-
The Myth of Sisyphus
In The Myth of Sisyphus, Albert Camus delves deeply into the human condition, orienting his philosophical exploration around the timeless myth of Sisyphus, a man condemned by the gods to roll a boulder up a mountain only to watch it roll back down, endlessly repeating this futile task. Through this allegory, Camus examines the absurd nature of human existence, highlighting...Paperback$1700Elsewhere:$1999Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
On the Shortness of Life
Seneca’s On the Shortness of Life is a classical masterpiece that delves into the age-old human concern of time and mortality. Written as letters and discourses to his friend Paulinus, Seneca reflects on how people squander their time in the pursuits of ambition, trivial pleasures, and material gains. Through eloquent and impassioned prose, Seneca urges us to embrace a more...Paperback$1999Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
Fear and Trembling
Throughout history, some books have changed the world. They have transformed the way we see ourselves—and each other. They have inspired debate, dissent, war, and revolution. They have enlightened, outraged, provoked, and comforted. They have enriched lives—and destroyed them. Now Penguin brings you the works of the great thinkers, pioneers, radicals, and visionaries whose ideas shook civilisation and helped make...Paperback$1999Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
How To Be a Stoic
Don't hope that events will turn out the way you want, welcome events in whichever way they happen. How can we cope when life's events seem beyond our control? These words of consolation and inspiration from the three great Stoic philosophers—Epictetus, Seneca, and Marcus Aurelius—offer ancient wisdom on how to face life's adversities and live well in the world. GREAT...Paperback$1800Elsewhere:$1999Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
God is Dead. God Remains Dead. And We Have Killed Him.
In God is Dead. God Remains Dead. And We Have Killed Him., renowned philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche explores profound and controversial themes central to the existential movement. The work is a searing critique of religion, morality, and the profound shift in human consciousness that ensues with the death of God. Nietzsche posits a world where traditional beliefs are no longer tenable,...Paperback$1999Unit price /UnavailableBackorderShips mid August -
Meditations
Throughout history, some books have changed the world. They have transformed the way we see ourselves and each other. They have inspired debate, dissent, war, and revolution. They have enlightened, outraged, provoked, and comforted. They have enriched lives and destroyed them. Now Penguin brings you the works of the great thinkers, pioneers, radicals, and visionaries whose ideas shook civilisation, and...Paperback$1800Elsewhere:$1999Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
What Is Existentialism?
What Is Existentialism? by Simone de Beauvoir provides a profound exploration into the philosophical realm of existentialism, encouraging readers to examine the nature of existence and human freedom. Through meticulous essays and thought-provoking discourse, de Beauvoir delves into the intricacies of how we perceive and interact with the world. The book challenges readers to consider the inherent meaninglessness of life...Paperback$1999Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
Being Happy
Being Happy by Epicurus is a timeless collection that delves into the profound teachings of one of the most influential philosophers of antiquity. Epicurus, the father of Epicureanism, presents his thoughts on the nature of happiness, the methods to achieve it, and the role of philosophy as a therapeutic tool. Through his exploration of these themes, Epicurus highlights the importance...Paperback$1999Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
Tao Te Ching
Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu is a profound and timeless work that has been revered for centuries as one of the foundational texts of Chinese philosophy and religion. This ancient wisdom, beautifully simple yet deeply profound, provides a guide for living a virtuous life. Through its 81 enigmatic verses, Lao Tzu offers insights into the nature of existence, the...Paperback$1999Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
The Symposium
Throughout history, some books have changed the world. They have transformed the way we see ourselves and each other. They have inspired debate, dissent, war and revolution. They have enlightened, outraged, provoked and comforted. They have enriched lives and destroyed them. Now Penguin brings you the works of the great thinkers, pioneers, radicals and visionaries whose ideas shook civilisation and...Paperback$1999Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
The Freedom to Be Free
The Freedom to Be Free by Hannah Arendt is a compelling compilation of three thought-provoking essays. The book delves deep into the essence of freedom and its intrinsic connection to politics. Arendt, one of the most influential political philosophers of the twentieth century, presents a stirring argument that true freedom can only be achieved within the realm of political life,...Paperback$2100Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Three Japanese Buddhist Monks
I have relinquished all that ties me to the world, but the one thing that still haunts me is the beauty of the sky. These simple, inspiring writings by three medieval Buddhist monks offer peace and wisdom amid the world's uncertainties, and are an invitation to relinquish earthly desires and instead taste life in the moment. GREAT IDEAS. Throughout history,...Paperback$2100Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
On the Shortness of Life by Seneca receives praise for its timeless wisdom and practical guidance on living a meaningful life. Reviewers appreciate Seneca’s eloquent and thought-provoking reflections on the importance of valuing time and making the most of our limited existence. The book is described as a concise yet powerful philosophical treatise that resonates deeply with modern readers.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780141018812
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 02 September 2004
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Penguin Books Ltd
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 5.0mm
Width: 110.0mm
Height: 180.0mm
Weight: 73g
Pages: 112
About the Author
Lucius Annaeus Seneca, statesman, philosopher, advocate and man of letters, was born in Spain around 4BC. He rose to prominence at Rome, pursuing a double career in the courts and political life, until Claudius sent him into exile exile on the island of Corsica for eight years. Recalled in AD49, he was appointed tutor to the boy who was to become, in AD54, the emperor Nero. Seneca acted for eight years as Nero's unofficial chief minister until Nero too turned against him and he retired from public life to devote himself to philosophy and writing. In AD65, following the discovery of a plot against the emperor, he and many others were compelled by Nero to commit suicide. C.D.N. Costa has spent most of his working life at Birmingham University, where he is Professor of Classics and Chairman of the School of Antiquity. Among other works, he has written commentaries on the works of Seneca, Letters, Dialogues and the tragedy Medea.
Also by Seneca
View all-
Letters from a Stoic
In Letters from a Stoic, Lucius Annaeus Seneca imparts timeless wisdom through a series of epistles addressed to his friend Lucilius. The letters encompass a myriad of topics centred around the moral and ethical underpinnings of Stoic philosophy. Each letter is a profound reflection on life, offering practical advice on how to live virtuously, manage one's emotions, and achieve peace...Paperback$2100Elsewhere:$2300Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
Letters from a Stoic
Letters from a Stoic by Donald Robertson and Seneca is an outstanding compilation offering profound insights into Stoic philosophy through a series of personal and poignant letters. Set in the Roman era, these letters serve as a medium through which Seneca, an esteemed stoic philosopher and statesman, communicates his wisdom to his friend and protégé, Lucilius Junior. Covering timeless topics...Hardback$2700Elsewhere:$2899Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
How To Be a Stoic
Don't hope that events will turn out the way you want, welcome events in whichever way they happen. How can we cope when life's events seem beyond our control? These words of consolation and inspiration from the three great Stoic philosophers—Epictetus, Seneca, and Marcus Aurelius—offer ancient wisdom on how to face life's adversities and live well in the world. GREAT...Paperback$1800Elsewhere:$1999Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
Letters from a Stoic
Letters from a Stoic by Seneca is a timeless philosophical work that dives deep into the heart and mind of one of Ancient Rome's greatest thinkers. Through a collection of epistolary writings, Seneca, the eminent Stoic philosopher, shares his wisdom and insights on how to lead a meaningful and virtuous life. These letters, originally penned to his friend Lucilius, discuss...Hardback$3300Elsewhere:$3800Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
Dialogues and Letters
A major writer and a leading figure in the public life of Rome, Seneca (c. 4 BC - AD 65) ranks among the most eloquent and influential masters of Latin prose. This selection explores his thoughts on philosophy and the trials of life. In the Consolation to Helvia, he strives to offer solace to his mother following his exile in...Paperback$2400Elsewhere:$2600Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
How to Do the Right Thing
There are times when we've all felt that we haven't been treated as we deserve—that we've been misjudged, shortchanged, or given a raw deal. And, at one time or another, other people have probably felt that we've treated them just as unfairly. How to Do the Right Thing draws on the principles of ancient Stoicism as articulated by the Roman...Hardback$3499Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
On The Shortness of Life
Seneca was a Roman Stoic philosopher and statesman. He is best known for his dramatic plays and philosophical works that include some of the most important writings on stoicism. On the Shortness of Life was written in his later years as a letter to his brother. This age-old wisdom is as applicable to us in our lives today as it...Paperback$1999Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Four Tragedies and Octavia
A selection of Seneca's most powerful and macabre plays. Based on the legends used in Greek drama, Seneca's plays are notable for the exuberant ruthlessness with which disastrous events are foretold and then pursued to their tragic and often bloodthirsty ends. Thyestes depicts the menace of an ancestral curse hanging over two feuding brothers, while Phaedra portrays a woman tormented...Paperback$2400Elsewhere:$2600Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
Why I am a Stoic
Why I am a Stoic 90 classic titles celebrating 90 years of Penguin Books Plagued by ill-health, violently sick at sea, irritated by renovation costs — Seneca is never less than sympathetically human. In these letters written 2000 years ago, the ancient philosopher speaks to the reader today with lucidity and warmth. Whether advising on how to live a good...Paperback$1700Elsewhere:$1799Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
How to Give
To give and receive well may be the most human thing you can do, but it is also the closest you can come to divinity. So argues the great Roman Stoic thinker Seneca (c. 4 BCE–65 CE) in his longest and most searching moral treatise, On Benefits (De Beneficiis). James Romm's splendid new translation of essential selections from this work...Hardback$5499Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
How to Have a Life
A vibrant new translation of Seneca's On the Shortness of Life, a pointed reminder to make the most of our time. Who doesn't worry sometimes that smartphones, the Internet, and TV are robbing us of time and preventing us from having a life? How can we make the most of our time on earth? In the first century AD, the...Hardback$3499Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Moral Essays, Volume I
Seneca, Lucius Annaeus, born at Corduba (Cordova) around 4 BCE, hailed from a prominent and wealthy family. He spent his ailing childhood and youth in Rome under the care of an aunt. Seneca became renowned for his skills in rhetoric, philosophy, money-making, and imperial service. Despite facing disgrace during Claudius' reign, he rose to become a tutor and then, in...Hardback$5999Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 3-4 weeks
More from Philosophy & Psychology
View all-
New Release
Eat Your Ice Cream
The New York Times bestseller that presents a bold new vision for living well and ageing with purpose from a world-renowned health expert THE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER From a leading doctor and world-renowned health expert, the simple, uplifting and practical guide to cutting through the wellness noise, living well and ageing with purpose. ‘Essential reading for anyone who...Paperback$3199Elsewhere:$4000Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
New ReleaseThe Winner's Formula
The Neuroscience of Peak Performance, Success, and Happiness Why do some people win all the time? Why do others languish? From Olympians to Formula 1 drivers, addicts to billionaires, cognitive neuroscientist Dr Kerry Spackman has spent decades working to help people understand how to succeed. In The Winner's Formula, Kerry explains what goes on in your brain when you are...Paperback$3199Elsewhere:$3999Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
Man's Search For Meaning
Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl is a profound, thought-provoking memoir and psychological exploration that delves into the harrowing experiences of life in Nazi concentration camps, intertwined with the author’s groundbreaking theories on existential psychology. The book is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, offering a beacon of hope and a roadmap for finding purpose...Paperback$1800Elsewhere:$2100Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
New ReleaseInside the Box
How to do more with less and use limits to stimulate creativity, innovation and collaboration, from the Sunday Times bestselling author of Range. We live in a world that gives us seemingly infinite choices and values freedom above all else. We have an unprecedented number of options regarding what to do, who to be and how to spend our time....Paperback$3000Elsewhere:$3900Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
Atomic Habits
Atomic Habits by James Clear is a transformative guide that demonstrates how tiny, incremental changes in behaviour can fundamentally reshape your life. Rather than urging sweeping transformations, Clear advocates for the compound effect of hundreds of small decisions. Whether it’s performing two push-ups a day, waking up five minutes earlier, or making a brief, focused phone call, these minuscule adjustments,...Paperback$3199Elsewhere:$4000Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
The Body Keeps the Score
The Body Keeps the Score by Dr Bessel van der Kolk is a compelling and compassionate exploration of the deep-seated impact of trauma on the human body and mind. This groundbreaking work delves into the complex causes of trauma and paints a vivid picture of the revolutionary treatments that are enabling countless individuals to reclaim their lives filled with purpose...Paperback$2400Elsewhere:$3000Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
New Release
Tell Me Where It Hurts
Leading expert Rachel Zoffness bridges the gap between medicine and psychology to get to the heart of treating pain We can move the dial on pain Every one of us will experience pain, be it back pain, the pain of childbirth, or living in an ageing body. Not a single one of us will escape. But what if everything you...Hardback$6500Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
The Book of Awakening
A new edition of the #1 NYT's bestseller by Mark Nepo, who has been called "one of the finest spiritual guides of our time" and "a consummate storyteller." Immerse yourself in The Book of Awakening, a compelling spiritual daybook by philosopher-poet and cancer survivor, Mark Nepo. This remarkable work is a profound manual for living a more deeply connected and...Paperback$3999Elsewhere:$4499Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
Strangers
The must-read memoir of the end of a marriage and the start of a personal revolution, based on the iconic Modern Love essay in the New York Times and perfect for fans of Glennon Doyle. "A beautifully written eulogy for the loss of a relationship" — Joyce Carol Oates How do we go on when a loved one betrays us?...Paperback$3299Elsewhere:$4000Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
Strong Ground
#1 New York Times bestselling author Brené Brown returns with an urgent call to reimagine the essentials of courageous leadership. In a time when uncertainty runs deep and bluster, hubris and even cruelty are increasingly framed as acceptable leadership, Brown delivers practical, actionable insights that illuminate the mindsets and skill sets essential to reclaiming focus and driving growth through connection, discipline and...Hardback$4000Elsewhere:$5500Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
The Anxious Generation
A powerful argument for reclaiming childhood—and all human relationships—from the online world, from the influential social psychologist and international bestselling author. Jonathan Haidt has spent his career speaking truth and wisdom in some of the most difficult spaces—communities polarised by politics and religion, campuses battling culture wars, and now the mental health emergency hitting teenagers today in many countries around...Paperback$2299Elsewhere:$3000Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
The Stimulated Mind
A practical, empowering plan to boost your day-to-day brain function and prevent dementia - by a renowned neuroscientist and performance coach. 'From day one I was always blown away by Dr Tommy Wood's command of the science from which he communicates.' - Dr Peter Attia, bestselling author of Outlive- The Science and Art of Longevity 'As global health declines, Dr...Paperback$3800Elsewhere:$4500Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow
Why buy from us?
Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!
Service & Delivery
Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.
Auckland Bookstore
We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.
Our Gifting Service
Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.
