Book cover of On the Shortness of Life: Life Is Long if You Know How to Use It

Book description

Throughout history, some books have changed the world. They have transformed the way we see ourselves—and each other. They have inspired debate, dissent, war and revolution. They have enlightened, outraged, provoked and comforted. They have enriched lives—and destroyed them.

 

Now, Penguin brings you the works of the great thinkers, pioneers,…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked On the Shortness of Life as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

I always carry the old Penguin Classics edition of this book in my suitcase. When I'm anxious and stressed, I can ground myself by getting my mind into a 2000-year-old book. Seneca reminds me to make the most of my life by not wasting my limited time pursuing external validation that doesn't actually make me happy.

From Neil's list on create happy habits in your life.

If you love On the Shortness of Life...

Ad

Book cover of Aggressor

Aggressor by FX Holden,

It is April 1st, 2038. Day 60 of China's blockade of the rebel island of Taiwan.

The US government has agreed to provide Taiwan with a weapons system so advanced that it can disrupt the balance of power in the region. But what pilot would be crazy enough to run…

Want books like On the Shortness of Life?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like On the Shortness of Life.

Browse books like On the Shortness of Life

Book cover of The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles
Book cover of The Black Swan
Book cover of How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy

Share your top 3 reads of 2025!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,211

readers submitted
so far, will you?

Ad

📚 If you like On the Shortness of Life, you might also like...

Book cover of Old Man Country

Old Man Country by Thomas R. Cole,

This book follows the journey of a writer in search of wisdom as he narrates encounters with 12 distinguished American men over 80, including Paul Volcker, the former head of the Federal Reserve, and Denton Cooley, the world’s most famous heart surgeon.

In these and other intimate conversations, the book…

Book cover of Lane and the Inventor

Lane and the Inventor by Amy Q. Barker,

A grumpy-sunshine, slow-burn, sweet-and-steamy romance set in wild and beautiful small-town Colorado. Lane Gravers is a wanderer, adventurer, yoga instructor, and social butterfly when she meets reserved, quiet, pensive Logan Hickory, a loner inventor with a painful past.

Dive into this small-town, steamy romance between two opposites who find love…

5 book lists we think you will like!