"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
("누군가 자주 자신의 계급이나 지위를 과시하거나, 누군가의 이름이 공공연하게 언급되는 것을 보면, 부러워하지 마십시오. 그런 것들은 인생의 대가로 얻어진 것입니다. 성공의 사다리 첫 단계에서 죽는 사람도 있고, 정상에 도달하기도 전에 죽는 사람도 있으며, 천 가지 굴욕을 견디며 야망의 정상에 오른 소수는 결국 그것이 무덤의 비문을 위한 것일 뿐이라는 것을 깨닫습니다." - 세네카, 인생의 짧음에 대하여, 20장)
Sometimes 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, ...
