In the new year, spend your time wisely

TWO thousand years ago, the Roman philosopher Lucius Annaeus Seneca lambasted the short-sightedness of his fellows in their attitude towards time, in words that still resound chillingly today.

In guarding their wealth, people are miserly, he said. When it comes to time, however, people squander it as if they had a lot to spare, when they should be stingy instead.

"Many men say: 'After I turn 50, I shall retire, my 60th year shall release me from public duties'. And what guarantee have you that your life will last longer?" he asked.

An excerpt in…