“Do not ask for what you will wish you had not got.”
- c. 4 BC – AD 65
- Roman
- Philosopher, Statesman, Dramatist, Stoic Thinker, Advisor to Emperor Nero
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Quote
“Do not ask for what you will wish you had not got.”
Explanation
Seneca offers a warning about desire and foresight, urging us to think carefully before pursuing what we think we want. Often, people ask for things—power, wealth, recognition—without fully understanding their consequences, only to regret them once they are obtained. This aligns with the Stoic teaching that desires should be measured by reason, not impulse, and that many things we consider “gains” may, in truth, disturb our peace or compromise our virtue.
This quote reflects the Stoic emphasis on deliberate living: to want wisely is to live wisely. Seneca cautions that without introspection, our wants can become our burdens. The wise person, therefore, does not ask for what is flashy or excessive, but for what is necessary, virtuous, and in harmony with nature. It is better to lack what you do not need than to possess what will ultimately harm or enslave you.
In modern life, this insight is a powerful counter to impulsive consumerism, ambition without reflection, and superficial goals. Whether it’s a promotion, relationship, or lifestyle we chase, Seneca urges us to ask: Will this truly improve my life—or will I wish I had never reached for it? True wisdom lies not in getting what we want, but in wanting only what is truly good for us.
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