Gym tyranny – a modern scourge

(Free interpretation of Seneca's fifteenth letter to Lucilius.)

Dear citizens of the twenty-first century.

I write to you today deeply concerned about the recent craze for physical exercise. Everywhere I see people running like crazy on treadmills, lifting weights as if their lives depended on it, and sipping 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 is a well-defined set of six valued more than a well-defined idea?

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

Think of all the time you spend staring in the mirror and admiring your bulging muscles. You could have spent this time thinking about life's big questions, or at least developing your creativity and critical thinking.

And you who advocate these extreme diets, have you ever thought that the brain also needs nutrition? A brain fed only on chicken and broccoli is unlikely to produce any great ideas.

I urge you all to: Put down the dumbbells and pick up a book instead! Exchange your gym membership for one at the library. 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 healthy brain impresses you long after your abs have turned into a flabby stomach.

with respect

Modern Seneca (who prefers togas to pantyhose)