Our only real treasure

Time is a precious treasure that cannot be replaced or returned. It is a gift that, once opened, will only end with the cessation of our mortal life. As St. Augustine (354-430) notes, “Indeed, we cannot truly say that time exists except in the sense that it tends towards non-existence.” (1) How then do we properly manage our personal time? How do we give our time value and, ultimately, immortality so that its lessons can be utilized by our grandchildren? In my experience, as a 63-year-old man, the most important part of time is to realize its intrinsic value and to truly understand that it is irreplaceable. It is not like money or beauty (Yes, even beauty can be restored: hence the abundance of plastic surgery clinics). It is slipping away before our very eyes like gold or sand through our fingers on a beach.

Why then does the vast majority of mankind not appear to value time? I believe that this tragic occurrence is predicated on the belief that time is just one more quantifiable entity that occupies our daily routine, much like eating breakfast. It is essentially like air: always there and in sufficient amounts to fill in the bits between the highs and lows of the day. I get up at 6 o’clock, wash, eat something and arrive at work at 8 o’clock. I do not give the two hours that I have just spent any value, though they have been deducted from my allotment of time. The movie “In Time” (2) discusses, as an overall theme, the conscious control of time by the ruling elites and the little time dispensed to the poor. Eventually, the protagonists begin to overcome the unjust system. It would appear, however, that all political constructs have little or no regard for time, as they attribute little or no value to the average human being.

It is therefore up to the individual to clasp his own time “close to his breast” to achieve his (or her) life mission: much, much easier said than done. Where does one begin? You must begin with a plan, a goal that can be concretized over time. This goal need not be extraordinary; it can be totally indefinite: “I want to be happy.” This is a theme that many learned and wise people live their lives by. As with all junctures artificially placed in the future where, at present, time does not yet exist; happiness is often not so easily achieved. It is, in fact, one of the most bedeviling of life’s ambitions; nothing makes you happy unless you are at peace with yourself.

The rich, the poor, the unwashed, the elegantly clothed all count amongst their fold both contented and frustrated souls: there is no common solution, no group epiphany. This is a path that we must all tread alone. Even more tragically: we cannot give but passing happiness to the people that we love. They too must decide to grasp that particular fruit on their own.

How then are we to affect change if each on us is isolated in our own Leibnitz-conceived monad? (3) I believe that the only way that we alter behavior is through example. If we live ethical and happy lives and we spend our time well and generously, we will have an impact on society. If we live a dissolute and debauched existence, the opposite is equally true. Though this is a simplistic response, it still carries the eternal test of time: goodness prevails and selfishness is expunged.

Time must be made magical and precious. Dr. Spencer Johnson (1938-2017) in his small book, The Present leaves us with a thought: The present is not the past and it is not the future. The present is the present moment! The present is right now! We must remember, therefore, that time is the only thing of value that each of us receives at birth: what a gift! (Parts of this essay were first published in September 2014)        

A closing thought: It is important that we reflect critically on our life and then choose to spend that time wisely. There is now an endless stream of distractions that force us to pause our thought process. It begins with something as simple as the cell phone, up to the loftier heights of the manipulated news and its complement of misdirected information. But, all is not: we can learn to think. The challenge is to desire to acquire the knowledge that potentially leads to wisdom – but, sadly, in some, not always.  

To sum up: This week we spoke about time and how it can never be replaced.

To be noted: from Baltasar Gracian (1601-1658), The Art of Worldly Wisdom (ISBN: 9-781-5004-638-92 — All that really belongs to us is time; even he who has nothing else has that.

Just for fun: Classical music from Iran 

For reflection: A mind that is free 

This week on your inspirational walk, please reflect on how you value your time.

Every day look for something magical and beautiful

Quote: When we are young, we are presented with the proverbial “tree of opportunity.” It has so much fruit that many are overwhelmed and fail to seize any of its delicious treats.

 

Footnotes:

1) Confessions: Book XI, by St. Augustine

2) In Time 

3) Gottfried Wilhelm von Leibniz (1646 –1716) was a German mathematician and philosopher. According to his philosophy, Monads are the ultimate elements of the universe.