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Procrastination is the thief of time; year after year it…

“Procrastination is the thief of time; year after year it steals, till all are fled, and to the mercies of a moment leaves the vast concerns of an eternal state. At thirty, man suspects himself a fool; knows it at forty, and reforms his plan; at fifty chides his infamous delay, pushes his prudent…” quote by Edward Young
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“Procrastination is the thief of time; year after year it steals, till all are fled, and to the mercies of a moment leaves the vast concerns of an eternal state. At thirty, man suspects himself a fool; knows it at forty, and reforms his plan; at fifty chides his infamous delay, pushes his prudent purpose to resolve; in all the magnanimity of thought, resolves, and re-resolves, then dies the same.”

Edward Young

About This Quote

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

Procrastination steals time, leading to regret and missed opportunities throughout life.

In simple terms: Delaying steals time and causes regret.

Key Takeaway

Act now, avoid future regret.

Themes

time regret productivity

Mood

reflective serious

Type

philosophical motivational

When to use this quote

  • career planning
  • academic work
  • personal goals

Key Concepts

temporal loss self‑discipline

Questions to Reflect On

  • What tasks are you avoiding and why?
  • How can you break the cycle?
A Different Perspective

Procrastination can also be a symptom of deeper issues.

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