“Expecting is the greatest impediment to living. In anticipation of tomorrow, it loses today.”
- c. 4 BC – AD 65
- Roman
- Philosopher, Statesman, Dramatist, Stoic Thinker, Advisor to Emperor Nero
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Quote
“Expecting is the greatest impediment to living. In anticipation of tomorrow, it loses today.”
Explanation
Seneca warns that living in anticipation of the future robs us of the present, which is the only time we truly possess. Expectation—whether it takes the form of anxiety, hope, or delay—becomes an obstacle to full engagement with the current moment. The Stoic path urges us to live intentionally in the now, recognizing that tomorrow is uncertain, and excessive preoccupation with it leads to a wasted life.
This teaching stems from the Stoic view that time is our most precious resource, and that deferring life until some imagined future betrays our highest duty: to live wisely and presently. Seneca knew that many people postpone happiness, fulfillment, or virtue until a more “convenient” time—only to discover that life has passed them by. Anticipation, even when it seems rational, often disguises fear or avoidance.
In today’s fast-paced, goal-oriented culture, this quote is a powerful reminder to slow down and reclaim the present. Whether we’re waiting for a promotion, a relationship, or some external milestone, Seneca challenges us to stop living on pause. Real life happens now, and the more we fixate on the future, the more we lose the richness of today. To live well is to live here, in this moment, fully and deliberately.
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