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About this quote

What does it mean?
Sterling suggests that the present naturally becomes waste or history for the future to process.
In plain terms
Today becomes compost for tomorrow.
What can you take from it?
Time turns current events into past material for what comes next.

Where it applies

  • philosophy
  • environmental thinking
  • time management

Putting it to work

  • reflect on time
  • plan for transitions
  • accept change

Questions to consider

  • What happens to the present over time?
  • How should we treat the past?

Another view

The metaphor simplifies complex cultural change to natural decay.

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