every new beginning comes from another’s end
The Roman philosopher Seneca gave us many gifts through his writings. His words, “Every new beginning comes from another beginning’s end,” resonate across centuries. They capture something fundamental about life and leadership: progress requires letting go.
This truth might seem obvious. Yet in practice, it’s one of the hardest lessons to embrace. We often cling to what’s familiar, even when it’s no longer serving us. Leaders, in particular, face this challenge as we navigate change. Whether it’s shifting strategies, letting go of old habits, or stepping away from roles, the process of moving forward almost always starts with an ending.
seneca and the origins of the quote
Seneca, born in 4 BCE, was a Stoic philosopher, advisor to Emperor Nero, and a prolific writer. His life was a paradox. On one hand, he preached simplicity and virtue. On the other, he accumulated great wealth and found himself entangled in the politics of Rome. This duality makes his insights even more poignant. He understood conflict and contradiction—traits we all experience during transitions.
This particular quote comes from his essay “Letters to Lucilius.” He was writing about the cyclical nature of life. Seneca knew that clinging to what’s comfortable often prevents growth.
To him, endings weren’t failures; they were invitations to something new.
surprising connections
Centuries after Seneca’s death, his words found new life in an unexpected place. You might recognize the quote from the song “Closing Time” by Semisonic, a late 1990s hit. Dan Wilson, the band’s frontman, said he wasn’t just writing about a bar’s last call. He was inspired by the birth of his child and the idea that beginnings and endings are intertwined.
Leaders can learn a lot from this. It’s not just about leaving something behind. It’s about having the courage to step forward. It’s about seeing possibility in the face of uncertainty.
practical leadership insights
- Make space for the new
Leaders often carry the weight of legacy projects or outdated processes. Ask yourself: what do I need to release so I can move forward? - Celebrate the ending
When a chapter closes, take time to reflect on what it taught you. Ritualizing this moment helps you honor the past without getting stuck in it. - Stay adaptable
Change is rarely clean or simple. Be ready to pivot when needed. Like Seneca, understand that even contradiction can lead to clarity. - Lead by example
Your team watches how you handle transitions. Show them that endings are natural—and that they bring opportunities for growth.
Every ending holds a seed of possibility. Seneca’s words remind us that progress demands courage to let go and embrace the unknown. Whether you’re stepping away from a role, retiring an old strategy, or letting go of habits that no longer serve you, remember that every new beginning waits on the other side.
The challenge is simple but not easy: What are you holding on to that’s holding you back? Take a hard look at the endings you’ve been avoiding. Then, step forward. The future doesn’t wait.
image credit: joshua earle
