Were you to live three thousand years, or even a countless multiple of that, keep in mind that no one ever loses a life other than the one they are living, and no one ever lives a life other than the one they are losing. The longest and the shortest life, then, amount to the same, for the present moment lasts the same for all and is all anyone possesses. No one can lose either the past or the future, for how can someone be deprived of what's not theirs? -MARCUS AURELIUS, MEDITATIONS, 2.14
In his meditations, Marcus Aurelius reflects on the nature of life and time, emphasizing that regardless of how long one lives, the present moment is all that truly matters. He argues that individuals only live the life they are currently experiencing and cannot lose lives that belong to the past or the uncertain future. This perspective encourages a focus on the present rather than getting caught up in the duration of life.
Aurelius’ insight highlights the futility of worrying about what has already happened or what is yet to come, as neither can be changed or possessed. Therefore, both a long and a short life share the same value within the confines of the present moment, urging individuals to embrace the here and now as their only true possession.
