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About this quote

What does it mean?
Focusing too much on the future stops you from seeing the present and distorts your memory of the past.
In plain terms
Worrying about the future messes up the present and past.
What can you take from it?
Live in the present to see reality clearly.

Where it applies

  • mental health
  • decision making
  • grief

Putting it to work

  • practice mindfulness
  • live in the now
  • accept reality

Questions to consider

  • Are you living in the future?
  • How do you view your past?

Another view

Planning for the future is necessary for survival.

More from Eric Hoffer

  1. Rudeness is the weak man's imitation of strength.

    Permalink to quote #65
  2. The real persuaders are our appetites, our fears and above all our vanity. The skillful propagandist stirs and coaches these internal persuaders.

    Permalink to quote #67
  3. Take away hatred from some people, and you have men without faith.

    Permalink to quote #64

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