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The present moment is never intolerable. What's…

“The present moment is never intolerable. What's intolerable is what's going to happen in the next four hours. To have your body here at 8 pm and your mind at 10:30 pm, that's what causes us suffering.” quote by Anthony de Mello
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“The present moment is never intolerable. What's intolerable is what's going to happen in the next four hours. To have your body here at 8 pm and your mind at 10:30 pm, that's what causes us suffering.”

Anthony de Mello

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Suffering arises from mental distraction about future events, not present reality.

In simple terms: Living in the future causes pain.

Key Takeaway

Stay present to reduce suffering.

Themes

mindfulness time suffering

Mood

calm contemplative

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

  • meditation practice
  • stressful work deadline
  • anticipating a medical test

Key Concepts

impermanence anxiety focus

Questions to Reflect On

  • What future thought pulls you away now?
  • How can you anchor attention to now?
A Different Perspective

Future worries can dominate even when present tasks are simple.

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