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.

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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