Surging floodwaters nearly killed me in 2015, and swept away almost everything I owned.
In the shocked aftermath, as I gathered up the mud-smeared detritus of my life, I remembered the words of Seneca — Omnia mea mecum sunt: All that is mine I carry with me.
Seneca thought our most valuable possessions couldn’t be taken from us — our character, our freedom to choose, our knowledge and logic.
Peace of mind and integrity are far more valuable than wealth, things, and reputation. Therefore, we should never trade this internal wealth for anything external.
I’ve spent several years of my life on the road, carrying everything with me in one or two bags. Surprisingly, no matter how little I had, it was always enough. I was never unhappy for having little, but ample possessions have often weighed me down. In a society that urges us to have more, it’s an important lesson to learn.
Things will never be the most important thing.
It wasn't Seneca who said that but Cicero quoting the Greek philosopher Bias. 👎