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. Or 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 64-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 sand through our fingers on a beach. We are given, on average, 27,375 days of life. (2)
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” (3) 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. “I want to grow in my life and become a better person.” (We must bear in mind that we are all naturally happy, loving, peaceful, seeking and communal) 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? (4) 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: it is our unique gift. The doctor and inspirational author, Dr. Spencer Johnson (1938-2017), leaves us with a thought from his book The Present (5): Living in the present, and learning from the past, and helping to create the future is not all there is. It is only when you work and live with purpose and respond to what’s important about the present, past, and future, that it all has meaning. (Parts of this essay were first published in August 2013.)
A closing thought: We are all so harried and so busy. It seems almost naïve to ask someone to stop and ponder the mysteries of life and the reason why he is here. But, stop we must. If we don’t take the time to reflect when we are young, we will, inevitably, be punished with guilt when we are old: the fool is not well served by time. Why are so many old people unhappy? It is only the self that can truly answer that question. Socrates (469-399 BC) tells us that the unexamined life is not worth living. This is undoubtedly and demonstrably true.
To sum up: This week, we spoke about time and what a true and irreplaceable gift it is. Sadly, few people acknowledge its value until much, much too late. Why are most old people unhappy? Socrates replies: “The unexamined life is not worth living.”
To be noted: Kahlil Gibran (6) –The timeless in you is aware of life’s timelessness, and knows that yesterday is but today’s memory and tomorrow is today’s dream.
Just for fun:The Head and the Heart
For reflection: Douglas Murray on the George Floyd protests, rioting & COVID hypocrisy
This week on your thoughtful walk, please reflect on how you value 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) St. Augustine, Confessions: Book XI
2) The Average Person Lives 27,375 Days. Make Each of Them Count.
3) In Time
4) Gottfried Wilhelm von Leibniz (1646–1716) was a German mathematician and philosopher. According to his philosophy, Monads are the ultimate elements of the universe.
5) Dr. Spencer Johnson, The Present (ISBN: 9-780-3754-334-05)