# The greatest obstacle to living is expectancy, whi... | Seneca Quote

> Source: https://positivity.org/quotes/quote-seneca-obstacle-living-expectancy

> The greatest obstacle to living is expectancy, which hangs upon tomorrow and loses today.

## What This Quote Means

Expecting the future to be better than the present prevents us from living fully now. When we are always looking ahead, we miss the life happening right in front of us.

## About Seneca

Seneca was a Roman Stoic philosopher, statesman, and dramatist who served as advisor to Emperor Nero.

Seneca (4 BC-65 AD) was a statesman and philosopher who navigated the dangerous politics of imperial Rome while developing practical Stoic wisdom.

## How to Apply This Wisdom

### Today focus

Commit to making today excellent rather than hoping tomorrow will be better.

### Expectation release

Let go of one expectation about the future and focus on the present.

### Present engagement

Put your full attention into your current activity.

## Reflection Questions

- Am I losing today by hanging my hopes on tomorrow?

- What expectations about the future are preventing me from enjoying the present?

- How would I live differently if I stopped expecting things to get better later?

## More Quotes by Seneca

> It is not that we have a short time to live, but that we waste a great deal of it.

> We suffer more often in imagination than in reality.

> Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.

> Difficulties strengthen the mind, as labor does the body.

> Sometimes even to live is an act of courage.