I'd like to debate with the friend of mine and Seneca regarding this wonderful letter https://journaly.com/post/30782

After reading a Wikipedia article on stoicism and its three periods of prosperity, I've realised how ignorant I am in this area. There are many aspects, terms, layers, gurus and interpretations. Therefore, I am not able to assimilate the whole amount of knowledge in order to confidently answer - if my values and ideals are close to stoicism. However, thanks to Lokus, I may immerse myself in this philosophical doctrine step by step with Seneca.

I was quite excited when I finished reading Lokus' essay. First, because of Time and its value in our lives. After certain events in my life, my relationship with Time has become stronger and even when I'm killing time, my inner clock measures all these ticks directly to my consciousness. Secondary, because I've got scans of our attitudes (Lokus' and mine) towards Seneca's ideas.

Let me, dear Lokus, share my ideal vision of why stoics are so uncompromised for wasting time. In my own life it happened only several times, when I wanted to do something so much, so enthusiastically or so scared (and consequently motivated) that I used every unsleeping hour of my life. As a result (and consequently, reward) I had received an inner "pillar" (inner core), consisting of confidence and self-supported intention. However, my own experience is extremely limited, nonetheless I've seen many successful and talented people, who are extremely focused on their job. Only in their case, the word "job" is not appropriate. This activity is their sense for living. These people always complain about the lack of time for all that they want to implement or create. Additionally, I notice that many of these unique women and men carry the burden of huge responsibility to others. Just these reluctant stoics are not able to stop themselves, otherwise it affects lots of people, depending on the results of their activity. Maybe I didn't express my thoughts clearly, but I know a good example. As a parent, I'm unable to stop being a parent. Ok, I might stop parenting, and if I do, it affects my children and my self-esteem.

Despite what is written above, my own life is full of lost days, opportunities and senseless actions. I don't even mention Internet surfing. So, my lifestyle is definitely not stoical. Nevertheless, I try to think and choose wisely what is really important and valuable. For example, spending time with people I love or really appreciate just for being together.

Regarding to Seneca' letter, I don't find anything that I would disagree with. From my perspective, in this letter there is not a really important clarification - for what exactly we should spend our time. What is the criterium for importance? How are we to understand and distinguish something vital from useless in our lives, among the people around us, who we sacrifice our time for? Here I hope for you, Lokus. That as an explorer, you may guide me through this ancient wisdom with a torch of curiosity in your little palm.