Seneca · On the true joy which comes from philosophy

Letters 23.11

You need not think that there are few of this kind; practically everyone is of such a stamp. Some men, indeed, only begin to live when it is time for them to leave off living. And if this seems surprising to you, I shall add that which will surprise you still more: Some men have left off living before they have begun. Farewell.

Seneca, Letters to Lucilius 23.11, translated by Richard Mott Gummere