Leisure
“otium”
idea · 4 works · 4 mentions · 10 anchored passages
leisure · at leisure · has leisure · otium · repose · rest · retirement · withdrawal
in the texts
Letters to Lucilius
Freedom from public occupation enabling philosophical withdrawal, treated as a great good owed to those who secure peace.
"O Meliboeus, a god made this leisure for us.
For to none do they owe more than to those by whose grace they may enjoy untroubled leisure.
Add now that great and true goods are not divided so that a scant part falls to individuals;
On Leisure
The state of withdrawal from public affairs into private contemplation, defended throughout as compatible with, and sometimes required by, Stoic virtue.
The one seeks leisure on principle, the other for a reason;
Even if we attempt nothing else that might be wholesome, withdrawal will of itself do us good:
Add now that, by the law of Chrysippus, a man is permitted to live in leisure—I do not say to endure leisure, but to choose it.
On the Shortness of Life
Withdrawal from public business into contemplative or philosophical activity, distinguished from idle sloth.
Leisure will never be enjoyed, only ever longed for.
men obtain leisure from themselves with more difficulty than from the law.
The whole house lamented the leisure of its old master, and did not end its grief until his work was restored to him.
Memorabilia
A condition not of inactivity but of being free to pursue better activity instead of worse activity.
Even draught-players and jesters do something, but all these are at leisure, for they might go and do something better.