Imagine you and your smartphone on a lazy afternoon. You scroll, you skim, you wander through posts, videos, and articles—you are adrift in a sea of information. There's joy in this freedom, no doubt.

Seneca doesn't dismiss the pleasure of unstructured reading (or, in our millennium, consuming many forms of media), but he nudges us to consider its purpose.

When we consume media with intention, we chart a course through that sea, steering towards knowledge and wisdom that can improve our lives. So take a moment to reflect: what media sources could serve as your compass, guiding you toward becoming the person you aspire to be?

Now, think about how you choose what to read and watch. Is it a random selection, whatever pops up first? Are you at the mercy of an algorithm? Or do you seek out content that challenges you, that offers new perspectives or teaches valuable lessons?

Seneca's advice isn't about snubbing entertainment—it's a call to balance.

It's easy to let the currents of whatever's trending carry us away, but a beneficial habit requires us to occasionally grab the oars and navigate intentionally.

What are you trying to learn or accomplish right now in your life? And how could your media consumption habits support these goals?