Be reverent before the dawning day. Do not think of what will be in a year, or in ten years. Think of to-day. Leave your theories. All theories, you see, even those of virtue, are bad, foolish, mischievous. Do not abuse life. Live in to-day. Be reverent towards each day. Love it, respect it, do not sully it, do not hinder it from coming to flower. Love it even when it is gray and sad like to-day. Do not be anxious. See. It is winter now. Everything is asleep. The good earth will awake again. You have only to be good and patient like the earth. Be reverent. Wait. If you are good, all will go well. If you are not, if you are weak, if you do not succeed, well, you must be happy in that. No doubt it is the best you can do. So, then, why will? Why be angry because of what you cannot do? We all have to do what we can. . . . Als ich kann.'
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Rolland advises living reverently in the present day, avoiding excessive worry or rigid theories.
- In plain terms
- Live today respectfully without worrying about the future or old theories.
- What can you take from it?
- Focus on the present and stay flexible.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Are you living today?
- Which theories limit you?
Another view
Planning for the future can sometimes be necessary.
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