"La vie est comme une pièce de théâtre ce n'est pas la longueur mais l'excellence du jeu qui compte"

Think of life as a play—it's not about how long it lasts but how well you perform. That's the core idea here. It doesn't matter if your life is short or long; what counts is the quality of the moments you have. This isn't just about achieving great things but about putting your heart and soul into what you do, no matter how big or small.

Seneca, a Roman philosopher, is the mind behind this nugget of wisdom. He lived in a time when life was unpredictable, and many faced untimely deaths. His focus was on living a virtuous life, where the emphasis was on personal excellence and moral integrity rather than the number of years one lived.

Let’s break this down with a real-life example: Imagine an artist who spends just a few years painting but creates some of the most breathtaking works of art the world has ever seen. Vincent van Gogh is a perfect example. He didn’t live long—he died at 37—but his paintings still inspire millions. He poured his emotions, his struggles, and his very essence into his work. His life, though short, was immensely impactful because of the excellence of his "acting."

So, how do you apply this wisdom to your own life? Start by focusing on the quality of your actions rather than the quantity. If you're a student, aim to truly understand what you’re learning, rather than just cramming for grades. If you're at work, put genuine effort into your tasks, even the small ones. It's about being present and giving your best in every moment.

Imagine you're at a family gathering. Instead of just being there, scrolling through your phone, engage in meaningful conversations. Ask your grandparents about their youth, play with the kids, help with the cooking. Make those moments count. It's these interactions, these efforts to connect deeply and genuinely with others, that make your time "excellent."

Think about your daily routine. You don’t need to pack it with endless activities to feel accomplished. Instead, focus on doing fewer things but doing them well. Maybe it's about cooking a meal with care rather than rushing through a fast-food dinner. Or it’s about reading a book that truly interests you instead of binge-watching a mediocre TV show.

Picture this: You're a young professional working on a big project. You could rush through it, ticking off boxes and moving on. But what if you took the time to really dive in? What if you sought feedback, iterated on your work, and made it the best it could be? Not only would you likely achieve better results, but you'd also feel a deeper sense of fulfillment.

In the end, it's not about the number of years or the length of your to-do list. It's about the richness of your experiences and the energy you bring to them. So the next time you feel pressured to do more, remember that it's not the length of your journey that matters but the excellence of each step you take.