In his letters, Seneca quoted Posidonius:

“In a single day there lies open to men of learning more than there ever does to the unenlightened in the longest of lifetimes.’ In the meantime cling tooth and nail to the following rule: (do) not give in to adversity, never trust prosperity, and always take full note of fortune’s habit of behaving just as she pleases, treating her as if she were actually going to do everything it is in her power to do. Whatever you have been expecting for some time comes as less of a shock.”

My version which brings me more comfort: In a single day, there lies open to you, opportunities to learn more than can ever be learned by the person who believes they know it all. And, while you’re learning, remember that time will pass as it does and things will happen as they happen — best not to be surprised by what life shows you.

My version for maximum comfort:

• Learn as much as you can because you don’t know as much as you think.
• Life’s a shit show, so stop crying and work at making it a little better.

Last modified on 2026-03-08