Quotes With Meaning
Men spend their lives in anticipations,—in determining to be vastly happy at some period when they have time. But the present time has one advantage over every other—it is our own. Past opportunities are gone, future have not come. We may lay in a stock of pleasures, as we would lay in a stock of wine; but if we defer the tasting of them too long, we shall find that both are soured by age.
Men spend their lives in anticipations,—in determining to be vastly happy at some period when they have time. But the present time has one advantage over every other—it is our own. Past opportunities are gone, future have not come. We may lay in a stock of pleasures, as we would lay in a stock of wine; but if we defer the tasting of them too long, we shall find that both are soured by age.
The quote emphasizes that people often get caught up in waiting for the right moment to be happy, believing they will find joy in the future. Colton urges us to recognize that the present moment is the only time we truly own and can influence. While it’s easy to imagine future pleasures, delaying our enjoyment can lead to disappointment, as those experiences may lose their essence over time. Life is fleeting, and past opportunities cannot be reclaimed. By focusing on the present, we can cultivate a mindset that embraces freedom and growth, allowing us to savor experiences as they happen. Ultimately, this quote reminds us to seek happiness now rather than postponing it indefinitely.