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About this quote

What does it mean?
The quote praises the value of a specific moment over vast spans of trivial time.
In plain terms
One true now is worth more than ages of meaningless existence.
What can you take from it?
Value the present moment above all else.

Where it applies

  • mindfulness
  • existential reflection
  • meditation

Putting it to work

  • focusing on now
  • simplifying life
  • meditation

Questions to consider

  • What is a treasure you hold in this now?
  • How much of your life feels trivial?

Another view

Past experiences also contribute meaning to life.

More from E. E. Cummings

  1. exists no miracle mightier than this:to feel

    Permalink to quote #62
  2. each ignorant gladness -unteaches what despair preaches

    Permalink to quote #64
  3. a million thousand hundred nothings seem -we are himself's own self;his very him

    Permalink to quote #61

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