“Cato left this world in such a manner as if he were delighted that he had found an opportunity of dying; for that God who presides in us forbids our departure hence without his leave.

But when God himself has given us a just cause, as formerly he did to Socrates, and lately to Cato, and often to many others — in such a case, certainly every man of sense would gladly exchange this darkness for that light.

For the whole life of a philosopher is, as the same philosopher says, a meditation on death.”

(Tusculan Disputations, 1.30)

The Philosophy Garden, Stoicism and beyond is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Get full access to Figs in Winter: Stoicism and Beyond at figsinwintertime.substack.com/subscribe