“Were you to live three thousand years, or even a countless multiple of that, keep in mind that no one ever loses a life other than the one they are living, and no one ever lives a life other than the one they are losing. The longest and the shortest life, then, amount to the same, for the present moment lasts the same for all and is all anyone possesses. No one can lose either the past or the future, for how can someone be deprived of what’s not theirs?”
—MARCUS AURELIUS, MEDITATIONS, 2.14
This passage encourages the reader to appreciate and make the most of the present moment, as it is a gift that can last a lifetime. The author cites a saying attributed to Bil Keane to emphasize this point: “Yesterday’s the past, tomorrow’s the future, but today is a gift. That’s why it’s called the present.” The author also cautions against looking for more in the past or future, as it neglects the present moment.
