“The more pleasures a man captures, the more masters he will have to serve”
—Lucius Annaeus Seneca, Stoic Philosopher (4BC – 65CE)
Think about the quote above.
How many things in your life truly matter?
What do you spend your time and energy striving towards?
Do you have a plan? Do you have a purpose or direction?
In the past week, I traveled to visit a dying mentor and Great-Uncle. I was struck by a few thoughts as I spent time helping him cope with a few of his final days.
At the end of your life, what will you wish you had more of?
I suspect the answer for many includes more simplicity.
Seneca reminds us that the more distractions we chase in life, the less we have time for things that really matter. How many waste a lifetime chasing dollars, toys and possessions rather than time with friends, family, and experiences?
In other words, what happens when life is less focused on “Stuff” and more focused on productivity, health, and connection with others??
(More walks in the park, meals prepared at home shared with family, and time spent improving the lives of those in our community)
These questions and thoughts no doubt spring from my recent study of the Stoicism and the author Seneca.
Lastly, perhaps a question for NRGTRIBE readers, how much health and happiness have you lost chasing the great consumption fallacy?