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To-day man is, and to-morrow he will be seen no more. And…

“To-day man is, and to-morrow he will be seen no more. And being removed out of sight, quickly also he is out of mind. O the dulness and hardness of man's heart, which thinketh only of the present, and looketh not forward to the future. Thou oughtest in every deed and thought so to order thyself…” quote by Thomas à Kempis
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““To-day man is, and to-morrow he will be seen no more. And being removed out of sight, quickly also he is out of mind. O the dulness and hardness of man's heart, which thinketh only of the present, and looketh not forward to the future. Thou oughtest in every deed and thought so to order thyself, as if thou wert to die this day.””

Thomas à Kempis

About This Quote

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

Live each day as if it were your last, focusing on present duties and future accountability.

In simple terms: Treat today like your final day.

Key Takeaway

Act responsibly now.

Themes

mortality mindfulness legacy

Mood

contemplative serene

Type

ethical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • daily planning
  • spiritual practice
  • time management
  • goal setting

Key Concepts

theology ethics philosophy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does this perspective affect long‑term goals?
  • What daily actions reflect this mindset?
A Different Perspective

Overemphasis on death may cause anxiety.

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