S

July 25th

WHAT’S ON YOUR TOMBSTONE?

“When you see someone often flashing their rank or position, or

someone whose name is often bandied about in public, don’t be

envious; such things are bought at the expense of life.... Some

die on the first rungs of the ladder of success, others before they

can reach the top, and the few that make it to the top of their

ambition through a thousand indignities realize at the end it’s only

for an inscription on their gravestone.”

—SENECA, ON THE BREVITY OF LIFE, 20

ometimes our professional commitments can become an end unto
themselves. A politician might justify the neglect of his family for his
office, or a writer might believe her “genius” excuses antisocial or selfish
behavior. Anyone with some perspective can see that, in fact, the politician
is really just in love with fame, and the writer enjoys being condescending
and feeling superior. Workaholics always make excuses for their
selfishness.
While these attitudes can lead to impressive accomplishments, their cost
is rarely justified. The ability to work hard and long is admirable. But you
are a human being, not a human doing. Seneca points out that we’re not
animals. “Is it really so pleasant to die in harness?” he asked. Aleksandr
Solzhenitsyn put it better: “Work is what horses die of. Everybody should
know that.”