How do you live wisely in a world that rewards ambition but punishes honesty?

In this five-minute reflection, Michael Comyn explores the contradictions and clarity of Seneca, the Roman statesman who advised emperors, amassed wealth, and still warned us not to waste a single moment.

Through his letters, Seneca teaches not perfection, but progress. Not isolation, but inward retreat. His message is clear: life is short, not because of time, but because of how we spend it.

If you’ve ever told yourself, “I’ll get to that later,” this episode is your gentle reminder:

Don’t postpone what makes you whole.

Part of our Stoic Portraits bonus series, bite-sized wisdom from ancient lives that still echo today.