From: ‘How To Die: An Ancient Guide to the End of Life’ by Seneca, edited, translated, and introduced by James S. Romm:
Quote: Praise and emulate the man who does not disdain to die, though it’s pleasant to live, what virtue is there in leaving by being thrown out? Yet here too is a virtue: I’m being thrown out, but let me take my leave nonetheless. The wise man is never thrown out, for to be thrown out is to be expelled from a place you leave unwillingly; the wise man does nothing unwillingly; he flees from necessity, since he desires that which it will force upon him. (Epistle 54)
Thought: Die willingly and happily when it is time – or die unwillingly and unhappily. The wiser choice is obvious. Before being ‘thrown out’, choose to depart with preparation and control, with sufficient spiritual practice.