We should every night call ourselves to an account: What infirmity have I mastered today? What passions opposed! What temptation resisted? What virtue acquired?
Seneca The ElderRead
True happiness is to enjoy the present, without anxious dependence upon the future, not to amuse ourselves with either hopes or fears but to rest satisfied with what we have, which is sufficient, for he that is so wants nothing.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True happiness comes from living in the present moment without worry about the future.
This quote by Seneca the Elder emphasizes the importance of cherishing the present rather than being consumed by anxiety about what lies ahead. It suggests that real contentment stems from appreciating what we currently have, rather than seeking happiness through unattainable hopes or fears.
Themes
HappinessPresentContentmentSatisfactionAnxiety
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can inspire someone during a motivational speech about mental well-being.
More from Seneca The Elder
All quotes →We can be thankful to a friend for a few acres or a little money; and yet for the freedom and command of the whole earth, and for the great benefits of our being, our life, health, and reason, we look upon ourselves as under no obligation.
Seneca The ElderRead
The sun also shines on the wicked.
Seneca The ElderRead
Let us be brave in the face of adversity.
Seneca The ElderRead
The courts of kings are full of people, but empty of friends.
Seneca The ElderRead
What you think about yourself is much more important than what others think of you.
Seneca The ElderRead
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