Philosophy Book Club #1: On The Shortness Of Life by Seneca
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Community of Curious Minds
Are our lives genuinely too short, or do we simply waste too much of the time we are given?
Join us for the inaugural meeting of our Philosophy Book Club, where we will discuss Seneca’s short and thought-provoking essay, On the Shortness of Life.
Written nearly two thousand years ago, the essay explores how we spend our time, why we postpone truly living, how easily our lives become consumed by distractions and obligations, and what it might mean to use our limited time more deliberately.
The book is short, accessible and suitable for readers who have little or no previous knowledge of philosophy.
📖 *HOW THE DISCUSSION WILL WORK*
The session will take place over two rounds.
🔹 *ROUND ONE: PERSONAL REFLECTIONS*
Each participant will receive approximately 5–10 minutes to share their personal response to the book.
You may speak about:
- Your overall opinion of the book
- What you liked or disliked
- Ideas you agreed or disagreed with
- Quotes or passages that stood out to you
- Arguments you found convincing or unconvincing
- Subjects you feel Seneca overlooked
- Whether the book changed how you think about time
- How you might apply its ideas to your own life
While each person is speaking, the other participants are encouraged to listen carefully and make notes about ideas they would like to revisit later.
This is not a formal presentation. You do not need to prepare a speech. Simply come ready to share your honest thoughts.
🔹 *ROUND TWO: OPEN PHILOSOPHICAL DISCUSSION*
After everyone has spoken, we will open the floor for a deeper group discussion.
Participants may question or respectfully challenge one another’s interpretations, respond to points raised during the first round, examine Seneca’s arguments more critically and explore wider philosophical questions inspired by the book.
Some of the questions we may consider include:
- Is life short, or do we merely use it badly?
- Is being busy the same as living meaningfully?
- How much of our time genuinely belongs to us?
- Can planning for the future prevent us from living in the present?
- Are distraction and procrastination moral problems?
- Does a meaningful life require a conscious philosophy of time?
- Is Seneca’s advice realistic for people with responsibilities, financial pressures and limited freedom?
The purpose of the event is not to reach one correct interpretation. It is to understand the book through different perspectives, question our own assumptions and enjoy a thoughtful conversation.
📌 *BEFORE ATTENDING*
Please read On the Shortness of Life before the event.
You are encouraged to bring the book on your phone, tablet, e-reader or in printed form. Highlighting passages and making a few notes beforehand will help you participate more fully.
No academic background is required. Beginners, curious readers and experienced philosophy enthusiasts are all welcome.
💰 *Participation fee: AED 40*
Come prepared to read, reflect, listen, question and discuss how we spend the most limited resource we possess: our time.