The 'carpe diem' sentiment has been around for a long time, and I suspect has been around ever since we figured out that death was thing.
A close idea to making good use of your time is not mis-spending it. Properly spending time is a bit science and a bit art, and really depends on your outlook.
Seneca write a bit about jealously guarding your time, and it's something I can relate to. As more obligations pile up, I find for example that I have a limited amount of time to dedicate to work. No more staying at work until late in the evening every day. And so, to be able to keep up with the things I want to do, I become very intentional about how I spend my time, and I have very little tolerance for wasting time.
Now, this doesn't mean I need to fill every second of my days with work. On the contrary! There are many things that matter, and prioritizing and finding balance is a recurring task. I imagine we all have many examples of time well wasted. But it may get harder to enjoy over time, so your idle time, too - make the best of it!
The quote that inspired this, then:
What is the state of things, then? It is this: I do not regard a man as poor, if the little which remains is enough for him. I advise you, however, to keep what is really yours; and you cannot begin too early. For, as our ancestors believed, it is too late to spare when you reach the dregs of the cask. Of that which remains at the bottom, the amount is slight, and the quality is vile. Farewell.
Tags: meditation