Life is a play. It's not how long, but how well.

What it means

A play is judged by its acting, not its length. Seneca says the same of a life, and it does not matter where you stop, as long as the ending is good. Put your effort into quality, not duration.

The source

"Life is a play. It's not how long, but how well." Seneca said it in Letters to Lucilius 77.20. Translated from the original Latin by Spartan Surfers.

"Quomodo fabula, sic vita: non quam diu, sed quam bene acta sit, refert."

Original Latin, Letters to Lucilius 77.20. 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 "Life is a play. It's not how long, but how well." mean?

A play is judged by its acting, not its length. Seneca says the same of a life, and it does not matter where you stop, as long as the ending is good. Put your effort into quality, not duration.

Who said "Life is a play. It's not how long, but how well."?

Seneca (c. 4 BC–65 AD). Source: Letters to Lucilius 77.20.

What is the original Latin?

Quomodo fabula, sic vita: non quam diu, sed quam bene acta sit, refert. Translated from the original Latin by Spartan Surfers.

Is "Life is a play. It's not how long, but how well." on a shirt?

Yes. We print it to order on our tees in 7 illustrated looks, from $44, with free US shipping.

"Life is a play. It's not how long, but how well." (Seneca, Letters to Lucilius 77.20, translated by Spartan Surfers). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/life-is-a-play-its-not-how-long