🏛️ Sundays with Seneca
Sundays with Seneca is a weekly series exploring the writings (and Stoic philosophy) of Lucius Annaeus Seneca. Each meditation delivers a contemporary interpretation of one of Seneca’s letters, accompanied by a reflection exercise. *** This series is exclusive to members.
Living Each Day as a Whole Life
Letter 12, On Old Age
Wherever I turn, my dear Lucilius, I see signs of my aging. Recently I visited my country estate and complained about the money being spent on the dilapidated buildings. My estate manager defended himself: “I’m doing everything I can, but the house is old.”
This was a house built by my own hands. What can I hope for in the future if stones from my own age are already crumbling?
I directed my frustration at the plane trees. “Clearly, these trees are being neglected,” I said. “They have no leaves, their branches are gnarled and shriveled, and their trunks are rough and unkempt. This wouldn’t happen if someone loosened the soil around their roots and watered them.”
