A to Z Classics

Furthermore, if you will pay close heed to the problem, you will find that the largest portion of our life passes while we are doing ill, a goodly share while we are doing nothing, and the whole while we are doing that which is not to the purpose.

For we are mistaken when we look forward to death; the major portion of death has already passed.

Whatever years be behind us are in death's hands.

While we are postponing, life speeds by

Nothing, Lucilius, is ours, except time.

And yet time is the one loan which even a grateful recipient cannot repay.

I cannot boast that I waste nothing, but I can at least tell you what I am wasting,

Therefore, Lucilius, do as you write me that you are doing: hold every hour in your grasp. Lay hold of to-day's task, and you will not need to depend so much upon to-morrow's.

Therefore, Lucilius, do as you write me that you are doing: hold every hour in your grasp. Lay hold of to-day's task, and you will not need to depend so much upon to-morrow's.

Of that which remains at the bottom, the amount is slight, and the quality is vile.