Francis

Today, I was on the r/stoicism subreddit and I wanted to look at the top rated posts of all time. This is the one that captured my eye and stuck with me. It is beautifully written, and says a lot when it comes to life.

“So I have found out about 1 month ago that I have a serious medical condition that is going to eventually kill me. I went through a long period of mourning and sadness. I’ve contemplated suicide many times. Especially so once I read Seneca’s letters to Lucilius number 70 and 77 where he talks of taking ones life. He spoke so casually about it and how one must remember that there is no number of days we are bound to complete and that if we were to make life longer, how much longer would we make it? I meditated on these ideas a long time and finally I realized I was approaching this the wrong way. I only have now. This very moment I may as well choose to make these days great rather than wallow in misery and self pity. I woke up today extremely happy although I’m in tremendous pain I choose not to let it effect me. I finished up a will to leave what little I have to my niece and nephew. I called my mother and told her how much I loved her and how much I appreciated the support she gave me throughout my existence. I finally found peace only in knowing seriously that I didn’t have much time left. Lastly I want to thank you all. The stories you shared and hardships you went through gave me a new perspective. It showed me that I was not alone and that many people suffer much more than me. So once again thank you everyone. To me stoicism is the ultimate truth. The only philosophy that made sense to me. I wish you all the best and I hope you remain stoic until you too meet the fate we are all bound for. Farewell everyone.

Best regards, Francis.”