Have yourself, and you've lost nothing.
Seneca, Letters to Lucilius 42.10
What it means
Most losses hurt because of what we believe about them. If you still have your character and your judgment, the essential thing is safe. Seneca adds that very few people truly have themselves.
The source
"Have yourself, and you've lost nothing." Seneca said it in Letters to Lucilius 42.10. Translated from the original Latin by Spartan Surfers.
"Qui se habet nihil perdidit"Original Latin, Letters to Lucilius 42.10. Text read at thelatinlibrary.com.
Who said it
Seneca (c. 4 BC–65 AD). Stoic philosopher, playwright and adviser to the emperor Nero. His letters to his friend Lucilius are the most readable handbook of Stoicism ever written.
Questions
- What does "Have yourself, and you've lost nothing." mean?
- Most losses hurt because of what we believe about them. If you still have your character and your judgment, the essential thing is safe. Seneca adds that very few people truly have themselves.
- Who said "Have yourself, and you've lost nothing."?
- Seneca (c. 4 BC–65 AD). Source: Letters to Lucilius 42.10.
- What is the original Latin?
- Qui se habet nihil perdidit. Translated from the original Latin by Spartan Surfers.
- Is "Have yourself, and you've lost nothing." on a shirt?
- Yes. We print it to order on our tees in 7 illustrated looks, from $44, with free US shipping.
Cite this line
"Have yourself, and you've lost nothing." (Seneca, Letters to Lucilius 42.10, translated by Spartan Surfers). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/have-yourself-and-youve-lost-nothing
Filed under Self and Stoic quotes.
Wear it your way
The same line in every look it fits. Each one is printed to order on heavy cotton, same price.
More from Seneca
- Claim yourself back.Letters to Lucilius 1.1
- Most of life slips away doing nothing, or the wrong thing.Letters to Lucilius 1.1
- While you put life off, it runs past.Letters to Lucilius 1.3
- Nothing is truly yours except your time.Letters to Lucilius 1.3
- Be everywhere and you are nowhere.Letters to Lucilius 2.2
- Poor is not having little. Poor is wanting more.Letters to Lucilius 2.6