“Of all people only those are at leisure who make time for philosophy, only they truly live. Not satisfied to merely keep good watch over their own days, they annex every age to their own. All the harvest of the past is added to their store. Only an ingrate would fail to see that these great architects of venerable thoughts were born for us and have designed a way of life for us.”
Seneca, via The Daily Stoic
Beyond the Quote (Day 373)
“Philosophia” is the Ancient Greek word for the “love of wisdom.” Wisdom is the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment. It can be thought then, that those who make time for Philosophy are those who make time for better living. For, what is better living composed of but better experience, better knowledge, and better judgement?
There is certainly no shortage of wisdom—wisdom is accessible and abundant. There is a greater store of wisdom that can be readily accessed and indulged than could ever be fully consumed—even throughout the course of an entire lifetime. Some of the wisest minds of our entire history have collected and shared thoughts that are but a few clicks or page turns away. And yet, most of us are, what…? Too busy and distracted to consume them? Too busy and distracted to acquire the very sustenance for living a better life?
It is the same argument you hear from those who say they are too busy to eat healthy food. People who say they only have time for drive thru’s, microwaves, and McDonalds. And while that may be the reality that they have cultivated and believe to be true—it is not the only, and certainly not the best, reality. Healthy food is the sustenance for life. You either find ways to prioritize it or you don’t. Wisdom is the sustenance for better living. You either find ways to prioritize it or you don’t.
In a Tweet:
Read Next: Chögyam Trungpa Quote on Managing Desire and Being Able To Afford To Relax (Day 372)
NEW In The Shop: Don’t Let The Tame Ones Tell You How To Live [Poster]
Why We ♥ It: Some of the best advice I (Matt here) ever got was: don’t take life advice from people who aren’t living a life you want to live and don’t take criticism from people you wouldn’t go to for advice. I created this poster to act as a reminder to listen more closely to our role models and less closely to our critics, trolls, and tamed-comfort-zone-hugger acquaintances. It’s also a perfect gift for the outdoor adventurer, travel enthusiast, or solo explorer (or soon to be). Available in print or digital download. 👇🏼
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Written by Matt Hogan
Founder of MoveMe Quotes. On a mission to help busy people do inner work—for better mental health; for healing; for personal growth. Find me on Twitter / IG / Medium. I also share daily insights here. 🌱
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