Why Prioritizing Mental Fitness Over Physical Exercise is Key to a Fulfilling Life: A Modern Seneca’s Perspective

(Free interpretation of Seneca’s 15th letter to Lucilius.)

Dear citizens of the 21st century.

I am writing to you today with great concern about the recent obsession with physical exercise. Everywhere I see people running madly on treadmills, lifting weights as if their lives depended on it, and downing protein shakes as if they were nectar from the gods themselves.

Where did all the wisdom go? Have we really reached a point where the number of followers on Instagram is more important than the number of books we read? Where a well-defined six-pack is valued more highly than a well-defined thought?

I’m not saying we should let our bodies shrink into shapeless lumps of dough. A walk in the park is fine. But those hour-long sessions at the gym? Ouch!

Think of the time you spend looking into the mirror and staring at your bulging muscles. You could have spent that time reflecting on life’s big questions, or at least improving your creativity and critical thinking.

And you who advocate these real foods – have you ever thought that the brain needs nutrition too? A brain fed only on chicken and broccoli is unlikely to produce any brilliant ideas.

I urge you all: Put down the dumbbells and pick up a book instead! Exchange your gym membership for one at the library. And for God’s sake, stop standing in front of the mirror and start thinking about how you can contribute to society in a meaningful way.

Remember: A fit brain shows up long after the six pack turns into a flabby stomach.

With respect

Modern Seneca (favorite toga than tights)